Last Word On Sports has run a series of articles highlighting teams competing in the upcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup. LWOS would like to thank contributing writer Jovilisi Waqa who has written an article reflecting on his beloved Fijian Rugby side and what fans (and locals) can expect from this hugely popular team, leading up to the tournament in England.
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Fijian Rugby – a local analysis.
With the dust settled, and the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) crown secured, it is time to look back at Fiji’s performance with a ‘local analysis’ from the Islands point of view before the team are announced Friday 21st August.
Knowing very well how this side likes to play the game in more sevens style throwing the ball around, they are known as a side with players who look to keep the ball alive and have that individual brilliance to compliment it. That is what makes our rugby so exciting.
During the last tournament both at home and then traveling to North America, a focus was on the Rugby World Cup (RWC) build-up towards England 2015, and we used PNC more or so to try out team combinations and for players to represent the side, gain important experience toward the World Cup and develop our side.
A lot of things have been learned since that very first International game against the Maori All Blacks back in June. Fiji initially led 26-10 only to lose by a single point after a strong comeback by the Maori. The opposition managed to win 27-26 in a close-fought loss and the team were disappointed to not take another win against an International side.
The side then moved on to Fiji’s first game of the PNC for 2015 which was played at home in Suva against our old foes Tonga. As normal, they relied on their big pack and yes, the Fiji forwards had to dig deep to win that contest relying on a late Peni Ravai try to seal the victory. Played at ANZ Stadium, Laucala Bay in front of a sombre crowd who were still angry with what happened in the Maori game, and while the result was close at the end there was a super highlight with the outstanding Lepani Botia try that involved a huge run from a kick return. That was great to see our running style that got the crowd on their feet after the side were behind for much of the match.
The rest of the sides PNC games were played in Canada and in Sacramento, USA; much to the disgust of local fans who couldn’t even watch the action live on TV. Games being available only from an online livestream that the Fijian masses could not easily afford. So many people missed the games, but were happy with the success our side had.
That moot point aside, as always Fiji started all of their games with ‘fire in the belly’ racking up points in the first 60 minutes only to falter near the end, only just having done enough to win three of the tournament games; with just the one draw. But all-in-all, to come away unbeaten and to win this prestigious World Rugby sponsored title was a great reward. It was great news, received well by all the fans and I say “Vinaka boys”.
Pacific Nations Cup results: Fiji 30 Tonga 22, Suva: Fiji 30 Samoa 30, Sacramento, USA; Fiji 27 Japan 22, Toronto, Canada; PNC Final – Fiji 39 Samoa 29, Burnaby, Canada.
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So much has been said in the media and in the rugby stands already, but there is ‘plenty to ponder’ on this teams recent form before the September 19th opening RWC game against England.
The side must play the English, Welsh, the Australian and the Uruguay teams in pool play and each of those matches demand more from the side then we have seen so far in 2015. That variety of opposition means there are things the Fiji forwards are working towards right now, on how to counter each team – the determined Wales team’s strengths, the South American teams scrum, the running play from the Wallabies and the massive maul of the home nation.
With the coaching panel consisting of head coach of John McKee, Crusaders backline-coach Tabai Matson and former Blue Bulls Super Rugby winning coach Frans Ludeke as advisor, things are looking good for Fiji and the die-hard fans that I know are all “right behind them”. Our running rugby has always been our core strength, and will continue to be so in September and October. Assistant coach Matson looks forward to more innovation during the tournament in England and bringing Ludeke in could be a blessing in disguise. He offers plenty of rugby knowledge and will support the plans that head coach John McKee has developed over his time, to hopefully set-up another great World Cup run for the Fijian Rugby team.
Our proud sevens teams head coach Ben Ryan will also offer his input, which will help and the team is in good condition for September (team named Friday) There were plenty of positives seen during PNC, especially from Fiji’s unsung hero Manasa Saulo. The tighthead prop stood the test against Sakaraia Taulofa of Samoa and faced Sona Taumalolo of Tonga which is a good sign; knowing his opponents play rugby in Europe. On that point [different nations styles] countering the ‘rolling maul’ is one of the other weaknesses at hand. Something that the coaches are looking to rectify come the Canada warm-up match on September 6th in London.
Such a huge occasion, the team needs to be well prepared before the RWC starts and the team should be lead well by Akapusi Qera, who did very well in the PNC campaign. Our backline stood tall on tour to North America also, especially Levani Botia but they really missed Nemani Nadolo’s presence [unavailable during PNC] but he is training hard now and brings a wealth of options he provides. That invention was missing when the opposition needed to fight back in some games, although Gabby Lovobalavu and Vereniki Goneva manned the center roles well.
Veteran Seremai Bai; who missed the PNC, is expected to make the cut for the opening game and provide the defensive option at 10/12 to match the likes of George Ford, Jamie Roberts, Matt Giteau
and Uraguay’s Felipe Berchesi. Knowing the opposition might be a weakness, as only a few of the boys play in Europe or Super Rugby but that is where our preparation is very important.
The surprise pick might be Waisea Nayacalevu who played center in the final of the PNC and terrorised the big Samoan midfield defence during that match. Was that performance enough to see his name on the starting team list? He is my pick.
The big headache in the selection process comes from the wingers and fullback berth, where no one really stood up except Nadolo [when fit] who has proven his worth. For my thinking, maybe Kini Murimurivalu is the best option at fullback but the find of the season has been Peceli Yato. At blindside flanker, he runs like a winger and always complimented by the lanky yet elusive Leone
Nakarawa. Those two were a worked well together with game breaker Nikola Matawalu.
Fiji is a force to be reckoned with in many people’s minds – our team is always ready to play, ready to ‘let the ball do the talking’. BOLEA; that is if they can put together an 80 minute performance and learn to ‘put teams away’ if they have the chance. If they can play like they have in June and July, then Pool A, the so-called “Pool of Death” will be a must watch.
I give us a good chance, all of the Islands will be watching, so we hope for the best result [an upset win against a Major nation] Cannot wait!
“Vakanuinui Vinaka boys. Toso Viti” (All the best boys – Go Fiji Go!)
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Last Word On Sports thank Jovilisi Waqa – Fijian Rugby Contributing Writer.
