Rugby and passion
The Flying Fijians
ALLOW me to convey my best wishes to the Flying Fijians that will be carrying the hopes of the Pasifika at the 2020 Rugby World Cup in Tokyo.
It is going to be a massive event with thousands of Fijian supporters or fans across the globe supporting the team till the final whistle.
Fiji as usual is relatively in a tough pool where they meet the Kangaroos in the opening match. They will also meet the ever improving Dragons that will probably decide the second team to qualify to the next stage.
The Flying Fijians have an enormous task ahead in taming the two rugby nations in a span of 80 minutes.
I also believe that John McKee and his coaching panel will unleash all weapons from their armoury to ensure that the world remembers the team and the warriors in the white jumper.
As excitement is building, I also feel that this year’s Rugby World Cup would be a very competitive one and chances are also high that some champion sides will taste defeat.
The dark horses of this world cup could be the Irish, Pumas, French, Dragons, England and the ever improving Japanese.
Obviously, countries representing in the The Rugby Championship and the six nations will always have added advantage coming into this tournament.
I hope the players have been taken good care of by the parent body and the coaching panel and their sacrifices will always be adored. There is so much a player has to sacrifice to be part of the contingent.
Discipline will be paramount as a 10-minute sin bin can cost us the game. Bone crunching tackles, legal tackles, smart play, talanoa and utilising all the opportunities will definitely make us win.
On the contrary, if we fail to convert the opportunities into valuable points, we would lose. Every player must support each other for a good outing.
Let us all join hands and cheer for our team so that we qualify from the pool stages. I am sure there will be some surprises from the Pacific nations. Toso Viti.
NAVEEN DUTT
Wainibokasi
Pride and passion
I GREATLY admire the pride and passion shown by Semi Radradra in representing the Flying Fijians at the world cup. Radradra is a phenomenal athlete. Once a most sought after rugby star by different rugby clubs, Radradra continues to make headlines. His ability to break first up tackles is a trademark of his game. A player with sublime skill set who could have easily chosen Australia over Fiji, considering the fact that he has already played for Kangroos. He could have preferred much higher pay package than what he may get in Fiji. I deeply believe that his strong commitment and passion to represent his country of birth deserves heaps of accolades. I am sure this dedication is inspiring and has inspired many young rugby players. Truly a national hero. No matter what the result is, he will be remembered as one of the greatest rugby players. Whenever he touches the ball we all are excited as we know he is capable of turning things around. Let’s hope and pray that he has a big part to play as we plot the Wallabies’ demise.
PRANIL RAM
Votualevu, Nadi