Grasping it with both hands is how the Flying Fijians must proceed in this Rugby World Cup. To grab every chance for their nation, to take the so-called ‘opportunity lost’ by a fumbling Eddie Jones’ Wallabies side, and go as far in this event as plausibly possible.
Affectionately known as the ‘Flying Fijians’ the Fiji men’s rugby team are competing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, and have taken the first step towards a quarter-final berth. Earned by their own exploits – not given or awarded by forfeit. The Flying Fijians have played well, and after two mammoth victories, look on course to play either England or one other Pool D opponent, once the final matches are completed by October 8.
Who is not impressed and excited by this side? The team’s emphatic play and enthusiasm is a joyous moment for Pasifika culture in the modern game.
Fiji have good form against England too, after their recent 22-30 victory at Twickenham. It proceeded wins over Australia 15-22, and a gritty win against Georgia, 17-12 this past weekend. They are a team on the rise, while the Wallabies have fallen flat in France and are only relying on other results as a ‘glimmer of hope’ here in France.
What occurred a week ago was a soul-destroying loss for the Australians against Wales, pointing to their probable premature exit from this tournament. It is not that dissimilar to the inglorious exit of England in 2015 – though not at their own hosted World Cup event. But still, just as upsetting for traveling supporters, as it is for the large group of players and staff. For that, Eddie Jones has humbly apologized for the outcome, with media on balance all but foreboding his dismissal from the head coach’s role – not yet confirmed, and not a guarantee. The board of Rugby Australia (RA) will want a full explanation, with new CEO Phil Waugh eluding to a concise, post-tournament analysis and detailed role review.
So for one nation, a huge disappointment at this Rugby World Cup. Yet for the Flying Fijians, it is the golden opportunity to advance to stages of the tournament seldom seen by Pacific Islands’ teams. And it is a well-worthy reward for their positive play and a nod to the development of the Fijian Drua and Polynesian players throughout the game in Europe.
Flying Fijians must grab ‘opportunity lost’ by fumbling Eddie Jones’ Wallabies
The Fijians are in Pool C alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia, and minnows Portugal. And Fiji has stood out for its enterprise and attitude. A mindset of playing ‘for the brothers’ and representing villages and the people of their island nation.
Pool C was a group some had thought of as un-even, while many believed it was the ‘land of opportunity’ with several teams without [or with few wins] over the 2023 International season. Australia being the main candidate with such poor form, the hopes and wishes of this young Wallabies squad selected to travel to France were dealt too by more committed opposition, as Jones’ Wallabies sink to unheard-of lows.
This World Cup may be the tenth addition, yet it could be the first where Australia has not progressed past the pool stages, and surely be the Flying Fijians best result since 2007. If ever the groundswell sentiment was in support of the South Seas Islanders, it is now.
"That is amazing!"
What a moment for @fijirugby! 🇫🇯#RWC2023 | #FIJvGEO pic.twitter.com/BDSAM5xfYW
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 30, 2023
French Rugby can feel a great deal of credit for what their Top14 clubs have done for the Fijian nation’s rugby player’s progression. The men who traveled great distances in pursuit of lucrative rugby contracts are now traversing territory within a Rugby World Cup that Australia is far more accustomed to. The Fijians are exceeding, while the Aussies are receding. A drop felt deeply by Wallabies’ fans around the globe.
Most are upset about this specific effort, when there was a case over the post-Michael Cheika period that appears now to be robbed by the kneejerk reaction by RA to employ Jones at the expense of a dedicated, yet result-prone Dave Rennie. His record could not save his overtly great coaching expertise though. His term ended prematurely after the New Year, when Jones was ‘parachuted’ in by a misguided organization after he was fired by England.
Has Eddie Jones’ dismissal of senior players cost him his worth
Winless up to his side’s victory over Georgia, a forlorn Jones was harassed in his post-match press conference a week ago. For obvious reasons, the head coach is under immense pressure. Internal as well as external, from all angles. Uncomfortable is putting it mildly, with his constant apologies now being more escapism. Harsh treatment was a constant in his England Rugby term, and fans all saw where that landed Jones.
When Rugby Australia recalled Jones, they could not envision the Flying Fijians in a more assured World Cup position than the Wallabies would end up being. So where did the train go off the tracks to such a degree? If observers had been watching his movements over the term of the shortened Rugby Championship, Jones was revved up to begin with, but soon regressed, and sometimes argued his long-term priorities might give him legroom for the tournament [that New Zealand won]. He talked up appointments, changing the role of skipper on multiple occasions, including here in France. If any one question could be put to Jones, it is why has he still not confirmed a permanent leader of the Wallabies? David Porecki the most recent candidate, yet he looked uncomfortable when questions were focused on Jones’ character, rather than his teammate’s performances.
Some might see this campaign as Jones pushing forward the youth quota of his Rugby Australia remit. The point being more so on the coach underlining his own KPI – to the detriment of those inexperienced players involved though. And unfairly it has affected all 30-odd Australian rugby squad members. Real tears were shed after the crushing loss to Fiji. By not including experience in the form of Michael Hooper or Quade Cooper, the side was challenged at best. If not ‘at their best’ or managed in the best way, they fell over far too easily.
Jones stated that: “Our performance wasn’t up to the standard that is required. And I apologize for that, I take full responsibility for it. We’re disappointed, we’ve got a young team in there who’s very disappointed. They tried their hearts out. But unfortunately at the moment, we just don’t have the consistency to be able to put pressure on teams like Wales.”
Jones is a singular director of rugby who displaces a certain aura. He also shifts loyalties, very often in fact. Will it be a trait others will afford Jones now after an early exit in 2023? Over his coaching career, from his introduction as head coach for the Australian Capitol Territories (ACT) Brumbies franchise, he always raised the bar. A territorial side, the Brumbies matched Super Rugby deeds against other nations provinces from New Zealand and South Africa, he took the Brumbies to the 2001 title. He was bold, cocky, and at times brisk when appointed to his first Wallabies coaching term. Nothing has changed in his external appearance over 22 years, the high eyebrows that invite questions before being smacked down by his responses. Yet his ability to deflect the attention away from deeper issues within the Australian rugby union, might not be enough to allow him [as an individual] to retain his position. He may be seen as a faulty element in the Wallabies machinery. He might be cast to the side yet again.
Celebrate the Flying Fijians reaching the 2023 quarter-finals
On the flip side, are the Flying Fijians on a real high? In contrast to the falling fortunes of Australia, the Pacifica group are the darlings of this tournament. If they do face England or Argentina, many will believe Fiji have the resolve to defeat them. They have the heart, which is a fine ingredient not every side can harness. To show their worth as a bonafide Tier One rugby nation. One who must be considered as a first-pick challenger in future World Rugby competitions.
Flying Fijians 🇫🇯#RWC2023 | #FIJvGEO | @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/FqJbeFsbZK
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 30, 2023
Whether they go further than a semi-final is far from being unqualified. It has the talent involved to progress further. Of each of the eight sides who will make up the knockout stages, Fiji is on an even pegging with them all. They might not have won a Grand Slam or Rugby Championship, yet the Pacific Nations Series is still a credible staging point to mount a challenge in this 2023 Rugby World Cup. And it will be celebrated by many around the world, whatever the final results are.
Fiji’s final pool match is against Portugal on October 8, at Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse. A stage many players are familiar with, and can surely progress to the knockout stages from October 15 [opponent to be confirmed].
“Main photo credit Fiji Rugby Facebook on September 17, 2023 (Pauline Ballet – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)“
