RWC Diary Day 19 - Boks too good 17 September, 2011

The Flying Fijians prepare to perform the cibi against South Africa.

Well despite the 49-3 score line it was a brave performance by the Flying Fijians who put everything into a game against a strong South African team with an abrasive defensive line. You learn from your losses and while no one likes to lose its important the team becomes better by learning from the experience.

Going into the game there was a great deal of confidence, particularly with the number of reported injuries coming out of the South African camp. However it’s easy to forget South Africa are the reigning World Champions and you don’t become World Champions without having world class players in your team and, this evening, the South Africans proved they have strength in depth running right through their squad despite the injuries.

In the Fiji dressing room after the game the mood was still upbeat as each and every player had given their very best to the cause. Tubou Village can be very proud of Akapusi Qera who made yards almost every time he got the ball and covered an enormous amount of work in defense. Also outstanding in defense was Napolioni Nalaga who is very definitely regaining his very best form.

Our two locks Wame Lewaravu and Leone Nakarawa were also outstanding as was openside flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu who tackled and tackled and tackled, while captain Deacon Manu led by example putting body on the line for the cause. At the after match media conference Manu admitted they’d met a team who were simply outstanding.

“South Africa were very good this evening and exceptionally strong and while everyone talks about the South Africa team of four years ago, this team I believe is even better as they’ve got the experience of winning the World Cup behind them now and surely on tonight’s performance they’ve got to be the favourites,” Manu said.

Fiji is now left with games against Samoa this coming Sunday and Wales the following week. It’s certainly not going to be easy but the reality is this is the Rugby World Cup and there are no easy games, particularly in a pool that is classed as the pool of death. However the Flying Fijians are still in control of their own destiny and wins against Samoa and Wales will put them into the quarter-finals – it’s as simple as that.

Until tomorrow, moce mada. 

View the Flying Fijians RWC 2011 photo gallery.

View video highlights of the Flying Fijians in New Zealand.

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