Former comrades greet each other - Greg Smith (left) and Nicky Little

01 October 2011

Well if the Flying Fijians ever needed inspiration against Wales they need only look across the ocean waves to the performance of their neighbours Samoa and Tonga respectively. Samoa did everything but win against the World Champions yesterday while this evening Tonga became the first Pacific Island nation to beat the flamboyant French!

Can we do the same against Wales? Well time will very shortly tell us, however, within camp there is a steely determination and a real hunger in the eyes of the players selected to get the job done, particularly those players who have been named in the run on side for the very first time.

If Setefano Somoca can play with the same fire and resolve he showed in his eyes this evening at the jersey presentation, at our hotel in Hamilton, then we could be in for a very interesting evening come kick-off on Sunday.

Talking of Hamilton it really is a modern, young and sprawling city. Unlike somewhere like Wellington where everything is contained in a central spot, Hamilton is a crawling and creeping suburban sprawl. With 40,000 tertiary students numbered among its inhabitants including up to 1,000 PhD scientists Hamilton in terms of population is also young and trendy.

But as we drove, this morning, into what is New Zealand’s fourth largest city it was almost as if we were driving through the middle of Cardiff with the famous flag - depicting the blood red dragon on a field of green - flying and fluttering from many buildings and motor vehicles. I’m not too sure what the population of Wales is but it feels like half of their population have made their way to Hamilton.

Today’s special guest at the jersey presentation was former Waikato player and Fiji hooker and captain - Greg Smith - who didn’t mince his words as he challenged the players to make the best of the moment they have been given, as some of them may not get the opportunity again.

"Think about the opportunity that you have to go out there and play the game. You go out there and play like there is no tomorrow," Smith said.

"Go out there and put yourself on the line. Go out there and throw the ball around and be Fijian. Go out there and play like you mean it, like you want to win, like your country depends on it, because it does."

Just listening to the former Flying Fijians skipper speak you could almost imagine he was wearing the white jersey once again in an effort to summon his players for one last effort, as he used to do ten or so years ago.

Coincidentally Hamilton is actually the home town or former home town of a number of Fiji’s players including Deacon Manu, Nicky Little, Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Albert Vulivuli.

Well Jonny Wilkinson has just converted from the sideline and England have come from behind to beat Scotland 16-12. We’re up next this Sunday at 6:00 PM - COME ON FIJI! It’s dragon slaying time - again!

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(L-R) Netani Talei and Sam Domoni

30 September 2011

A raft of injuries has forced ten changes to the team that started against Samoa. In the front row only hooker Sunia Koto remains, with Deacon Manu dropping out of contention with an injury and Campese Ma’afu starting from the bench, head coach Sam Domoni has handed local based players Waisea Nailago and Setefano Somoca their first starts in this Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign.

At lock the fit again Wame Lewaravu returns to partner Leone Nakarawa, while it’s all changes in the back row with Rupeni Nasiga and Sakiusa Matadigo manning the sides while stand-in captain Netani Talei packs down at number eight in place of the injured Sisa Koyamaibole.

At scrumhalf Vitori Buatava claims his first start of the campaign with Nemia Kenatale dropping to the bench, while out wide Ravai Fatiaki, Albert Vulivuli and Iliesa Keresoni all also claim their first starts of the tournament.

New skipper Talei admits it was a bit of a surprise to have been handed the role during this campaign and revealed he felt extremely privileged when he was asked to lead.

"It’s a privilege to first of all serve your country and play on the field and it’s an honour to be selected as captain," Talei said.

"I’ve always thought that one day I might lead the boys out there but I didn’t think it was going to come this soon, but I’ve got to grab the opportunity now with two hands and make the best of it,"

Tomorrow (Saturday) it’s back on the road again for the Flying Fijians as the team packs its bags and heads west to Hamilton the venue of Sunday’s match against Wales. Hamilton is also the home town of Welsh coach Warren Gatland - lucky coincidence or judicious placement by the Rugby World Cup powers that be? Who knows? But what it means is the whole of Hamilton is likely to be supporting their favourite son - Gatland - and his Welsh team.

While a number of permutations are in play for this game with regard to the outcome what’s clear is both sides desperately want a win to finish off pool play on a high. While Fiji will be playing for their small but loyal band of fans back in Fiji, Wales will, more than anything else, be wanting the victory to bury the ghost of RWC 2007.

The Fiji team to play Wales on Sunday is:

1. Waisea Nailago, 2. Sunia Koto, 3. Setefano Somoca, 4. Leone Nakarawa, 5. Wame Lewaravu, 6. Rupeni Nasiga, 7. Sakiusa Matadigo, 8. Netani Edward Talei, 9. Vitori Tomu Buatava, 10. Nicky Little, 11. Michael Tagicakibau, 12. Gaby Lovobalavu, 13. Ravai Susau Fatiaki, 14. Albert James Vulivuli, 15. Iliesa Keresoni
Reserves - 16. Viliame Veikoso, 17. Campese Ma’afu, 18. Akapusi Qera, 19. Mala Ravulo, 20. Nemia Kenatale, 21. Seremaia Bai, 22. Vereniki Goneva

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(L-R) Ravai Fatiaki and Iliesa Keresoni

29 September 2011

The Flying Fijians team gets named tomorrow and all indications are there will be a number of changes from the team that took the field against Samoa. With Wame Lewaravu back from injury to partner Leone Nakarawa in the engine room Fiji looks likely to be at full strength for the Wales game in the locking department at least.

While Lewaravu and Nakrawa are likely starters, it’s still unclear at present who will start in the front row with the local based boys - Waisea Daveta and Nadroga’s Setefano Somoca - both pushing hard for a starting spot this week.

Whoever is named in the front row for Fiji will have to be at their very best against a Welsh front row that demolished the Samoans and frustrated the Sprinboks earlier in the tournament.

But one player who firmly believes Fiji can beat Wales on Sunday is lock forward Sekonaia Kalou. The former Otago based player believes Fiji must play an expansive game to beat the Welsh.

"We have to bring that flair back, bring that enjoyment back of what we are known for," Kalou said.

"I have all the belief and all the trust in these boys they’ll go out there and do the business."

Despite the adverse results on the pitch Kalou believes off it the boys remain strong both in spirit and in their determination to finish their final pool match in the best possible manner.

"The boys are getting along with each other and we’re just looking forward to going on Sunday and finishing this campaign on a high and the boys are raring to go, so fans should be expecting a good game on Sunday."

A possible bolter in the team for Sunday's game against Wales is Iliesa Keresoni who looks to be in exceptional form on the training paddock. While his confidence may have been dented after his outing for Fiji against the All Blacks back in July, Keresoni - the younger brother of 2007 Rugby World Cup fullback Kameli Ratuvou - seems to have gotten his groove back and is arguably the fastest man in the team when he puts his mind to it. If selected look for Keresoni to set things alight on the paddock for the Flying Fijians.

This evening the boys held a barbacue and wee fancy dress competition to break the monotony of camp life. With every single person participating it proved a very enjoyable evening bringing the players together and bringing much needed laughter to the camp and generally lifting the spirit.

As a unit the boys in camp couldn’t be tighter. The trick will now be for the coaches and players to transfer the spirit off the field to a winning combination on it.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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(L-R) Mosese Rauluni and Deacon Manu

28 September 2011

Well it’s hard to believe this is the 30th diary article for this Rugby World Cup (RWC) - the days and the tournament seems to have just whizzed past. Making every single one of those days an eventful one, with his unique sense of fun, is skills coach Mosese Rauluni who has now attended the last four Rugby World Cups, but this one his first as a coach.

While the Saracens Academy Coach is naturally disappointed with Fiji’s form in this RWC he has been pleasantly surprised by the whole organization of the tournament considering the event, the third largest in international sport, is being held in a country of only four million people.

"Coming to New Zealand I thought the nation as a whole would probably be a bit small," Rauluni said.

"But the support in New Zealand has been outstanding; the organization has been top of the class."

Fiji plays Wales in the final pool game of Group D on Sunday, and Rauluni’s task will be to get Fiji’s young backline firing against an aggressive Welsh team who have gone from strength to strength within the tournament; and, while reflecting on this current squad, Rauluni is thankful that in 2007 he had the luxury of a large group of experienced players behind him.

"I had the luxury of a great leadership group in the last World Cup and we all helped each other through, and this is what has got to happen in this World Cup, there are a lot of young boys a lot of inexperienced boys but once you put on the Fiji jersey you’ve got to be playing out of your skin,"

Thought of by many as the best scrumhalf at RWC 2007, Rauluni believes the Flying Fijians have what it takes to beat Wales, however they just need to bring the attitude with them to the ground.

"The boys have got the skills they’ve got everything, it’s just on the field, you’ve got to have a positive attitude," Rauluni said.

"I’ve got every confidence we can beat Wales, a lot of people didn’t believe us last time and see what happened."

This morning the players were in the gym working on strength before heading to the training ground in the afternoon going through their team drills and various plays for the Wales game. The weather has treated us well so far this week - well, at least we’ve had no rain.

The team for this Sunday is scheduled to be named on Friday at 2:00 PM.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Sunia Koto and Joji Rinakama with Mount Maunganui in the background

27 September 2011

Army and Suva lock Leone Nakarawa goes from strength to strength in this Rugby World Cup (RWC) after picking up a contract with the Saracens Rugby Club he’s also just been voted into this week’s team of the week by the New Zealand Herald.

Hailing from the island of Kadavu, with maternal links within the province of Ra, Nakarawa has proven to be one of the outstanding locks of this RWC and his selection into the RWC team of the week only underlying his potential. At 24 years of age Leone’s best years are no doubt still ahead of him.

But while Saracens may have just earned themselves a star buy it’s another Saracens player who’s desperate to get his first game in the RWC this Sunday. Winger Michael Tagicakibau must have narrowly missed selection last Sunday against Samoa (and the opportunity to play against his brother) and now he’s itching to get a run on spot this Sunday against Wales.

"Yeah definitely would have been an honour and a privilege to play last week against my brother but it was not to be," Tagicakibau said.

"Looking forward now to this game against Wales it’s still a big and important game for us as a team and for me it’s a last chance to get a run out in this World Cup and I’ll be pushing this week and hopefully get a chance to get on this week."

Tagicakibau candidly admits in his last game for Fiji - last month versus Tonga in the Punjas Series - he had problems with confidence after returning from a lengthy spell away from the game due to a shoulder injury.

"That game against Tonga was a pretty shocking game for me personally, it was my first game in five months, it didn’t go very well and dented my confidence a little bit and it took me a while to get over that mentally."

The Lasakau Villager though believes he’s now more than ready to meet the challenge of Wales should he be selected.

"Well I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get up there in this World Cup, this week is probably the biggest week for me, it’ll be good for me I’d like to go out there and have a good game against Wales."

This morning the Flying Fijians held a recovery session at the pool and then had lunch on a boat on Tauranga Harbour. This gave the players time to regroup and reconnect with each other as a team.

Tomorrow training starts in earnest with a gym session in the morning and then field work in the afternoon.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Netani Talei (far right) and members of the Flying Fijians line up for the Fiji National Anthem

26 September 2011

There was a three hour bus ride this morning as the team was taken from Auckland and back to where, on 6 September, they officially started their Rugby World Cup journey in the Port City of Tauranga - New Zealand’s largest port in terms of gross export tonnage.

Sunny skies and more agreeable temperatures (though still cold) greeted the Flying Fijians in Tauranga where the team will remain until Saturday before travelling across to Hamilton for Sunday’s final pool match against Wales.

One of the real characters within the team is 28-year-old Tavualevu Villager Netani Talei. In a team that boasts a fine compliment of loose forwards the Scotland based player came into his own on Sunday putting in a strong game against the Samoans despite Fiji’s overall performance.

"I tried to focus on my game so that I could give an input to the team, I could have done a lot of things better and at the end of the day we didn’t get the result," Talei said.

"A lot of the boys are down at the moment, especially myself, we weren’t happy with the result but we have to get over it."

Always quick to give encouragement Talei, who was also a member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, has been urging his team mates to learn from the loss as they look forward to the Welsh match.

"I told some of the boys today - what doesn’t break you makes you stronger," Talei said, adding "there’s going to be a lot of talk and negative things flying around but just try and overcome that and put it into a positive perspective and make it a positive part of your game this weekend."

And like everyone else here Talei is also fully aware of the weight of expectation upon the team and has this message for Fiji Rugby fans.

"We just need your support, please still have faith in us that the job will be done this weekend, you know the boys are confident enough that we’ll regroup and try and make the country proud."

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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A packed Eden Park as 60,000 turn out to watch Fiji verse Samoa

25 September 2011

A third Rugby World Cup (RWC) game, a second loss - it hurts. Especially when the team has the ability to play so much better. With the weight of a nation on their shoulders the Flying Fijians struggled with the conditions and the Samoans. In the dressing room after the game there was a stunned silence, words were hard to come by and heads were bowed.

Prior to the game, and during it, the support for Fiji was phenomenal; however it was a day where victory would prove elusive for Fiji - in spite of the pressures to achieve it. For some reason the Flying Fijians showed only brief glimpses of their true worth in a game which was certainly not beyond them.

What happened on the field will no doubt be dissected and revisited by rugby pundits and fans for a while to come and rightfully so, for despite our best endeavours we punched well below our weight today.

However, as a team, the Flying Fijians must look forward to the challenge that Wales will offer next Sunday. While our chances for a quarterfinal spot have more or less been buried in the hallowed turf of Eden Park there is still the opportunity to lift ourselves and put away a Welsh team who will no doubt want to avenge their shock exit at the hands of Fiji at RWC 2007.

Against the Welsh the Flying Fijians are left to play for pride and an outside chance of automatic qualification for RWC 2015.

Meanwhile, on the injury front and young flyhalf Waisea Luveniyali joins lock Wame Lewaravu on the sideline after fracturing his leg. Luveniyali is likely to be out of action for up to six weeks.

Just before signing off a big thank you to the Auckland Fijian community who did their very best to lift the spirits of the Flying Fijians with a dinner for the boys after the game. As guests, we may not have been our usual cheerful selves, but as hosts the Auckland Fijian community - like the Wellington Fijian community earlier - were gracious and exemplary.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Alfred Uluinayau (left) presents Sisa Koyamaibole his playing strip

24 September 2011

This evening former national fullback Alfred Uluinayau presented the Flying Fijians their jerseys in a moving ceremony in which he reminisced over the many times he’d come up against Samoa in his career. Most notably he recounted the saga of the 1996 match when a star studded Samoa side led by Pat Lam was trounced 60-nil at the National Stadium in Suva.

"Samoa came across with a really strong team and full of confidence, however on that day we played for each other, we listened to our coaches and we were devastating," Uluinayau said.

Tomorrow (Sunday) Fiji faces an equally confident Samoan side still living off their thrilling victory over Australia last month and while all international media and most rugby pundits seemed to have more or less written Fiji off, Uluinayau believes Fiji have a great chance of victory.

"I was scared of most sides when I played for Fiji but one side I was never scared of playing was Samoa. I used to love playing them because we knew how they played and we knew we could beat them, that hasn’t changed, if you play for each other you will beat them," Uluinayau said.

These were sentiments echoed by former Flying Fijians coach Wayne Pivac who paid a fleeting visit to the team this morning. He believes there’s an immense amount of pressure on Samoa to win and this could work in Fiji’s favour.

"Personally I think there’s a lot of pressure on the Samoans after beating Australia earlier in the season," Pivac said.

"I think the expectations (for Samoa) are very high and whether they’re realistic or not time will tell, but I think the Fijians have a side that’s capable of beating them, it’ll come down to on the day in terms of the preparation and the self-belief, but certainly there is the ability from 1 to 15 to win this match."

With our Captain’s Run done on Friday afternoon the players were on lock down in the hotel today with no one allowed away from the confines of the hotel except for the brief morning walk through at Mount Smart Stadium. All visits from well wishers were also restricted as the team and players focused on Samoa and their individual and collective tasks within the team.

On the appeal front and Dominiko Waqaniburotu’s three week ban has been upheld. It’s a little sad as ‘Dom’ was a real force against the Springboks and is a real gentleman on tour. With our appeal unsuccessful any hope of Dom playing in any of the remaining pool fixtures has disappeared.

From all of us here, thank you so much for all your support.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Fijian and All Black legend Walter Little at Eden Park to watch the Flying Fijians train

23 September 2011

Eden Park is the Holy Mecca of rugby grounds in the Pacific and possibly in the Southern Hemisphere. This year it will become the first stadium to host two Rugby World Cup finals having also hosted the inaugural final in 1987.

Anyone visiting Eden Park for the first time, or at least seeing the new Eden Park Stadium for the first time, will need to hold on to their bottom jaw for fear of it dropping so hard because it truly is a jaw dropping experience.

The stadium boasts a wide array of facilities including a fantastic medical room that would be the envy of any hospital, there are Jacuzzis and ice baths in the changing rooms, there’s a funny little camera called a spidercam that whizzes around above the players providing spectacular angles during the game (see if you can notice when it’s being used during the game), there’s a media room as big as the Fiji Sports Council gymnasium and as you walk through the tunnel and onto the pitch there are 60,000 seats that surround you.

Just imagine how the teams are going to feel on Sunday, with every one of those 60,000 seats sold, the atmosphere is going to be more than electric - it’s going to be like walking into lightning and thunder - it’ll be amazing and hair-raising all at the same time.

Well both teams have been named today and with Wame Lewaravu out injured the multi-talented Sekonaia Kalou gets his chance to win his 12th cap. Kalou has now represented Fiji in five sports - volleyball, basketball, men’s netball, archery and of course rugby. What’s more his brothers are also top provincial players in their own right - Apisalome Ratuniyarawa who plays for Naitasiri and Alipate Mataivilia who represents Suva.

Nicky Little will also extend his record breaking career when he earns his 70th cap on Sunday. Little earns himself his first starting spot in the team with Waisea Luveniyali on the bench as cover. Outside Little the backs remain unchanged for the third successive game with wing Vereniki Goneva marking Samoa’s main strike weapon Alesana Tuilagi.

The Flying Fijians team versus Samoa is as follows:

1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Sunia Koto, 3. Deacon Manu, 4. Sekonaia Kalou, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Netani Talei, 7. Malakai Ravulo, 8. Sisa Koyamaibole, 9. Nemia Kenatale, 10. Nicky Little, 11. Napolioni Nalaga, 12. Seremaia Bai, 13. Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 14. Vereniki Goneva, 15. Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves: 16. Talemaitoga Tuapati, 17. Setefano Somoca, 18. Rupeni Nasiga, 19. Akapusi Qera, 20. Vitori Buatava, 21. Albert Vulivuli, 22. Waisea Luveniyali

While the Samoans attract huge crowds wherever they go in New Zealand, and particularly during training, at our Captain’s Run today the Flying Fijians had only a handful of spectators.

However among those spectators, and there to cheer Fiji on, was All Black legend Walter Little - Nicky’s uncle.

While Walter has always been associated with the All Blacks he revealed his heart has always been Fijian.

"I’m Fijian bro, and I’ll always support Fiji even though I played for the All Blacks. Our family is Fijian and so are our hearts," Walter said.

"Mum’s from Yadua village in Nadroga and there’s family there in Narewa Village too and of course dad was born and grew up in Ba."

Walter first played for the All Blacks in 1990 against Scotland which means there’s been a Little playing for either the All Blacks or Fiji for over 20 years now, with Walter’s elder brother Lawrence and of course Nicky both having represented Fiji.

However while it looks as if the Little playing dynasty may be coming to an end, with this being Nicky’s last Rugby World Cup, the good news is Walter’s son Michael is proving to be a chip off the old block being a very talented backline player.

"Michael’s gonna have a crack at the Fiji Under 20s next year so hopefully he’ll be able to continue the family tradition with regards to playing rugby at top level."

Both Walter’s boys - Michael and Daniel - were with him watching the Fijians at their Captain’s Run and for the younger Littles it proved an occasion they will long remember.

"Watching the Flying Fijians train today was an awesome experience for both my boys and it’s certainly the highlight of their young career to date," Walter said.

Away from the field the Flying Fijians held a double birthday celebration today with Lewaravu and Malakai Ravulo now both 28 years young. After lotu the two players were presented with a birthday cake each whilst the backs and the forwards took turns in singing happy birthday to both players.

It’s a rest day tomorrow as players tune in and focus on the task at hand - beating Samoa on Sunday.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Positive signs for Wame Lewaravu’s finger injury

22 September 2011

Teams travelling around in the Rugby World Cup can sometimes feel as if they’re in a fish bowl. With so many people looking in at them it’s enough to make even the most gregarious of persons want to curl up and hide. This evening was an interesting example when the team was invited by a former Fiji resident to have dinner at what turned out to be a fast food restaurant.

The dinner was delicious - great chicken and a decent sized burger - but being a fast food joint there was little privacy for the players to fully enjoy the meal. Eating in an open area it was almost as if we were in a fish bowl with people looking in and pointing fingers, cameras, and pens at the players as they ate. It wasn’t the most ideal of situations for a dinner but the Flying Fijians took it all in their stride as they ate, posed for photographs and signed autographs without any fuss at all.

On the rugby front and signs look very positive for Wame Lewaravu after having visited a specialist with regard to his injured finger. While an official diagnosis is yet to be forwarded to team management it’s understood Lewaravu could be training again as soon as next week.

Lewaravu’s replacement at lock this Sunday is likely to be Nadroga’s Sekonaia Kalou, however the official announcement on this will be made at the media conference to officially announce the team at 11 in the morning.

Talking of Sunday, Scotland prop Euan Murray is making a stand for his faith and refusing to play on Sunday; so it’s interesting to note the IRB has scheduled two deeply religious sides - Fiji and Samoa - to play their important pool match on a Sunday.

International sport (the IRB is not alone in this) does not yet recognize the value or importance of respecting a team’s faith by not scheduling fixtures on a Sunday. However the dollar bill dictates most things in this day and age and it’s the paying and watching public and worldwide television audiences who dictate Sunday games should be played.

The team continues to be inundated with the support of many of you and each goodwill message lifts the spirit high. The players and everyone here are clear of the challenge ahead and there is a strong and determined feeling running throughout the team.

The team holds its Captain’s Run at Eden Park at 1:00 PM on Saturday with kick off in the game between Fiji and Samoa scheduled for 3:30 PM on Sunday.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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James McOnie of NZ Sky TV’s "Crowd Goes Wild" programme interviews Nicky Little

21 September 2011

We’re 23 days into our Rugby World Cup (RWC) journey and it’s probably been amiss of me not to mention our very excellent team liaison officer Adriaan Ferris. We’re actually extremely honoured to have someone of the calibre of Adriaan looking after us. In his other job Adriaan is the coach of ITM Cup side Northland and so knows his way around the New Zealand rugby scene.

In fact so well has Adriaan looked after us that it would be hard to imagine how anyone else could’ve done the job any better. Of Maori heritage, Adriaan has gone out of his way to ensure the Flying Fijians are very well taken care of. Incidentally last year Adriaan was head selector of the New Zealand Under 20 - who’ve been World Champions since forever - so he comes with a pretty good CV.

It was another cold and crisp day in Auckland today with every single player putting up their hand for selection in a game in which the result is not only going to be imperative to the fortunes of Fiji and Samoa in the Rugby World Cup but also to the general mood of those two Pacific island nations. New Zealand media coverage has focused on the fact two brothers - Sailosi and Michael Tagicakibau - could face each other in opposite teams this Sunday. If that were to happen I believe it would be the first for a Rugby World Cup match.

Those of you who are familiar with New Zealand television will be interested to hear that James McOnie of the Sky TV comedy show "The Crowd Goes Wild" was down at training this morning doing a lighthearted piece with a number of the players. McOnie actually came to the ground with a cardboard banner which read "Free Waqaniburotu", and for a while we weren’t sure whether to laugh or kick him out. The fact though he was there in a pair of long shorts, a jacket, shirt, tie and flip flops on a bitterly cold morning meant we couldn’t do much else but have a good laugh at him.

Tomorrow morning a number of the team are having breakfast with a special young man named Varayame Batini who hails from Tavua. Varayame is here in Auckland with his mother Ilisapeci having an operation to enable him to walk. Despite being born healthy Varayame was six months old when he had an operation to heal a sore on his lower back. The procedure turned his feet inwards and he has been restricted to a wheelchair ever since. To see the full story on Varayame go to www.projectvarayame.co.nz.

Fiji’s team for Sunday’s match against Samoa will be named on Friday at 11:00 AM.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Flying Fijians show their support for stroke victim and Fiji Women’s Cricket captain Losalini Vuetibau

20 September 2011

Well today’s been a bit of a double whammy for us with news Dominiko Waqaniburotu has been suspended for three weeks after being cited for an illegal tackle; while lock Wame Lewaravu has a finger injury which is likely to sideline him for at least two weeks.

It’s popular opinion that Waqaniburotu was one of our best players in the defeat to South Africa last Saturday while Lewaravu was also outstanding, so the loss of these two players at this stage of the tournament is going to be difficult to say the least. Needless to say we’re likely to appeal Waqaniburotu’s suspension which seems a wee bit on the harsh side. Let’s hope we have better luck with the appeal process.

With regard to Lewaravu’s finger injury, while he’s still able to do light training, he won’t be able to regain any free movement in his finger for at least two weeks - according to our medical staff - which means he’s likely to be right for the quarters. Lewaravu’s finger injury is being seen by a specialist tomorrow which should give us a clearer indication of when he’s likely to be fit again.

This morning, at training, school children from the Mount Smart area brought a great deal of colour to the team’s training session as they painted themselves up in Fiji’s colours, waved Fiji flags and cheered for Fiji - which was quite amusing as most of them looked like they were of Samoan heritage.

You know Auckland is a place that’s full of Mounts. For instance we’re staying on Mount Wellington, we train in Mount Smart, and we’ve driven past a Mount Rangitoto on our travels through Auckland - apparently it has something to do with all the volcanic activity around here. Why don’t they just call them volcanoes - actually on second thoughts perhaps Mount is better.

Sometimes when we get caught up in all the hype of a tournament it’s easy to forget ourselves and to get carried away on the fortunes of our team - we laugh and cheer when the team wins and scream and cry when it loses. For many players being able to participate and enjoy the cheer thrill of pitting their skill and talent against an opponent is one of the real joys of sport. When that joy is suddenly taken away it can be devastating, so spare a thought this week - during all your emotions over the Flying Fijians - for Losalini Vuetibau who captained the Fiji Women’s Cricket team earlier this year in Vanuatu.

Hailing from Lasekau Village, Bau in the province of Tailevu, Losalini suffered a stroke three weeks ago here in Auckland and now has severe weakness in the left side of her body. This means she has only minimal movement and feeling and is now confined to a wheel chair.

Fiji Women’s Cricket captain Losalini Vuetibau (right) and a team mate

What makes this story even sadder is the fact Losalini at 38 years of age is a mother to four-year-old Elijah. Today down at the Mount Smart training ground the Flying Fijians gave their support to Losalini sending their well wishes by posing for a photograph with a note giving their support to ‘Losi’.

Speedy recovery Losalini!

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Fiji flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu proves he’s equally adept at table tennis

19 September 2011

Not really too much to say with today being a rest day, with players making the most of their free time taking in the delightful charms of window shopping in Auckland, while those players that didn’t go out spent their time with relatives and friends who came around visiting, while others just chilled in their rooms.

Tomorrow training starts in earnest for the players with Sunday’s clash against Samoa a must win game for us and it’s good to note within the camp the mood is one of great optimism and confidence. Assistant coach Greg Mumm believes a great deal of that confidence is to do with the support the team is receiving from many of you.

"One of the big things we take our strength from is the reception we get from the public and the messages we get from back home," Mumm said.

"The support’s been amazing, I know this weekend in Auckland against Samoa it’s a sold out game, and we’re going to take a lot of faith in knowing the Fijian support is going to be right behind us."

There are two training sessions scheduled for tomorrow - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - and for the next few days the players will be asked questions in training as they prepare for the most important game in their careers.

Mumm though believes the whole squad is up to the challenge.

"Everyone’s talking up Wales and everyone’s talking up Samoa ... we’re just confident that if we work hard we’ll get the results we want," Mumm said.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Albert Vulivuli and Shannon Fraser at the team hotel in Auckland

18 September 2011

We flew today from the bottom of the North Island of New Zealand to its summit as the city, known in Maori as Tamaki Makaurau (meaning Tamaki of 100 lovers - what a strange name), but better known as Auckland, welcomed us with rain and a cold chill.

The former capital of New Zealand, Auckland has a population of 1.5 million people which is about a third of the population of New Zealand and also possesses the largest population of Polynesian people of any city in the world. But more than probably any other place in the world the city of Auckland, to Fijians in particular, is synonymous with the game of rugby.

The Auckland rugby team has for well over 100 years been at the top of provincial rugby in New Zealand and as a result is New Zealand’s most successful provincial rugby team. In more recent years the Auckland rugby team has endeared itself to Fiji rugby fans with players such as Waisake Sotutu, Joeli Vidiri, Rupeni Caucau, Vula Maimuri and most recently Jo Rokocoko playing instrumental roles within the side at both provincial and Super Rugby level.

This Sunday at least 22 more Fijian rugby players will be wanting to play a more than significant role in Auckland when they take on Pacific neighbours Samoa at Eden Park. In a must win game for both teams the most famous piece of rugby turf in New Zealand is bound to erupt when the two Pacific nations go head-to-head in the most significant match between the two countries, period. Neither side have ever played each other in a Rugby World Cup, though both sides battle each other year in and year out in the Pacific Nations Cup.

In their accommodation in Mount Wellington in Auckland the Flying Fijians are resting from last evening’s exertions and this morning’s travels with a full rest day scheduled for tomorrow (Monday) as assistant coach Shannon Fraser explains.

"Today’s not really a day off when you think about recovery and you think about travel," Fraser said.

"Tomorrow we’re cutting back and we’ll be using the time to do some individual feedbacks before getting back on the training paddock on Tuesday when we’re a little bit fresher and ready to go."

No doubt training this week will be an intense affair particularly with the recent form of the Samoans who beat the Wallabies last month and pushed Wales to the wire this afternoon. However Fraser is determined the Flying Fijians will not get carried away with the current hype surrounding the Samoans.

"We’ve got to focus on ourselves and making sure our preparation is the best it can be," Fraser said.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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The Flying Fijians prepare to perform the cibi against South Africa

17 September 2011

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 is 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 blindside 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 was 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 quarterfinals - it’s as simple as that.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Sisa Koyamaibole receives his playing jersey from FRU Board Member Joeli Baledrokadroka

16 September 2011

So game two is almost upon us and the focus is absolutely on beating South Africa come Saturday evening. The players today were presented their playing jerseys by Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board member Joeli Baledrokadroka who reminded the players that if they carried their faith with them they could do anything.

"I believe you have the goods to do the job and if you have faith you can move mountains," Baledrokadroka said.

After the Captain’s Run this evening specialist forwards coach Michael Foley spoke to the players about the importance of wearing the national jersey. As a former Wallaby captain with 50 caps to his name Foley speaks with a lot of authority and feeling.

"When you wear the jersey remember you’re wearing it for all the people who’ve gone before you, for your mates beside you and all the people back home," Foley said to the players in the dressing room after the Captain’s Run.

Saturday’s game against South Africa kicks off at 6:00 PM and if conditions are similar to what they were during the Captain’s Run today then things should suit Fiji with dry conditions and a fast track as assistant coach Greg Mumm today revealed.

"We’re certainly happy with the condition of the pitch today and if weather conditions stay like this then we’ll be more than happy," Mumm said.

Speaking at the media conference after today’s Captain’s Run veteran inside centre Seremaia Bai spoke in three languages - English, French and Fijian - without skipping a beat as he was interviewed by a number of reporters.

Bai revealed the team was focused on tomorrow’s game and on the things they could control.

"South Africa will have their own game plan for us but we’re focused on our own game and doing things right and we’re confident we’ll do well," Bai said.

The team has had overwhelming support from Fiji Rugby fans everywhere including from Sinai where a letter from the Second Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (2FIR) was received wishing the players the very best of luck.

"We also wish to encourage the team reminding them that the mission ahead is of no difference to that of the soldiers serving here with pride and dignity in upholding and shouldering the National Flag to the highest standards."

The one page letter was signed by the battalion’s commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel M. Tagicakibau. Thank you, Sir.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Media attending the announcement of the Fiji team to play South Africa

15 September 2011

Head coach Sam Domoni has made three changes to the starting XV for Fiji’s game against South Africa this Saturday evening. In at hooker comes the veteran Sunia Koto while Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera reclaims his openside place on the side of the scrum. At the back of the scrum Netani Talei moves to the bench to make way for Montpellier’s Sakiusa Masi.

While Domoni has kept faith with the backline which started against Namibia there are a number of changes on the bench with Talemaitoga Tuapati coming in at 16, Talei at 18 and Sisa Koyamaibole poised to come on as a major impact player to rattle the Boks. Other changes to the bench sees Nicky Little claiming a place on the starting 22 alongside Naitasiri’s Ravai Fatiaki.

A swarm of media attended the official announcement of the team this afternoon, many of them sporting South African accents. While most of the media made a beeline for either head coach Domoni or team captain Deacon Manu, a good few were also keen to interview Fiji’s four try hero from the Namibia game - Vereniki Goneva.

For a person with a naturally shy demeanour Goneva is fast becoming very media savvy, and it seems the media believe the Nagado kid will conjure up something special this Saturday. We’re absolutely sure he will.

The full Fiji team to play South Africa is as follows:

1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Sunia Koto, 3. Deacon Manu (capt), 4. Leone Nakarawa, 5. Wame Lewaravu, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Akapusi Qera, 8. Sakiusa Matadigo, 9. Nemia Kenatale, 10. Waisea Luveniyali, 11. Naipolioni Nalaga, 12. Seremaia Bai, 13. Gabirieli Lovobalavu (v-capt), 14. Vereniki Goneva, 15. Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves - 16. Talemaitoga Tuapati, 17. Waisea Nailago, 18. Netani Talei, 19. Sisa Koyamaibole, 20. Vitori Buatava, 21. Nicky Litle, 22. Ravai Fatiaki

Today was a complete rest day for the team with the half hour media conference the only obligation for the players. Many of the players today put their feet up and just rested while some took the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s capital city.

Walking through Wellington’s streets you come across Kiwis of European decent, Asians, Samoans, Tongans, Americans, English, Irish and Argentineans but one thought strikes you - just where are the Maori?

Conspicuous by their lack of numbers it seems the indigenous people (indigenous may now be the wrong word as sadly there are no full blooded Maori left in New Zealand) seem to have been squeezed out of this capital city and into its suburbs. A stroll through Wellington’s now very cosmopolitan streets, with the relative absence of Maori folk, and it’s very plausible you could be in absolutely any city anywhere in the world - doesn’t really seem right.

Tomorrow Fiji’s captain’s run is scheduled for 5:00 PM at the impressive Wellington Regional Stadium. The support the team has received from all Fijians in New Zealand has been overwhelming. There’s an expectation or sense Fiji will do something special on Saturday - it’s also a feeling the players and every single member of the Flying Fijians contingent feel.

Bring on the Boks!

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Members of the Flying Fijians pose with Fiji High Commissioner Mere Tora and High Commission staff

14 September 2011

This afternoon the Fiji High Commission and various diplomats and well to do persons officially welcomed the Flying Fijians to Wellington at a special ceremony hosted by Fiji High Commissioner Mere Tora.

The boys were well received at the function and it seems wherever the team goes there is huge support for the boys particularly from locals, though it is our understanding the Kiwis will actually support any team playing South Africa. To be fair, the boys themselves have won many admirers with the way they’ve carried themselves being polite, courteous and humble at all times wherever they’ve gone.

The function was held in the early afternoon to enable the team to train in conditions in which they will play in on Saturday and the Fiji Rugby Union is extremely grateful to the Fiji High Commission for allowing the function to take place earlier in the day to enable this. Despite the near freezing conditions the players trained well under floodlights and it’s easy to see the excellent spirit within the team and this was never more evident than in the bus trip back to the hotel.

Led by the irrepressible Mosese Rauluni various people were picked to sing a verse of a song of their choice on the threat of various penalties being heaped upon the person if they didn’t do so. The various songs interspersed by Rauluni’s antics made a usually long half hour bus journey fly by in what seemed barely five minutes with non-stop laughter from departure to arrival. Coaches Shannon Fraser and Michael Foley’s dulcet tones were the pick of the songsters.

Tomorrow the team gets named by head coach Sam Domoni at 2:00 PM. Just by the way players are carrying themselves around the hotel there is a great hunger to be named in the starting 22. Domoni’s keeping his cards fairly close to his chest so it’ll certainly be an interesting selection. However regardless of who is picked with no major injury worries Fiji is likely to be at full strength; against South Africa Fiji will need to be.

Tomorrow is a rest day for the players and a chance to get both the mind and body refreshed and tuned into Saturday’s game. The South Africa-Fiji game kicks off this Saturday at 6:00 PM at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

On the rugby field it’s well done to Samoa who beat Namibia but hard luck to Tonga who were stunned by Canada.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Porirua school children cheer on the Flying Fijians during training today

13 September 2011

With starting places up for grabs against South Africa training today was brutal. Players all pressing for a place left their friendship coat hung up in the changing room as tackles flew in strong and hard. In fact it left one wondering if this is what they could do to their friends goodness knows what they could do to any opposition, as team manager Pio Tikoisuva told the players at the team meeting this evening.

"The tackles you put in today were brutal," Tikoisuva said. "If that’s what you can do to your friends just imagine what you’ll do to opposition whom you don’t know."

Talking of the opposition there was a heavy South African media presence at today’s training session led by legendary number eight Bobby Skinstad who’s a part time presenter with Sky Sports - apparently. Indeed the heavy South African media presence at the ground was a little surprising though not totally unexpected considering Fiji’s efforts against them in the 2007 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Also at the ground to wish the Flying Fijians the very best of luck were the good people and school children of Porirua who sang and cheered on the players throughout the hour and a half long training session. Among the crowd watching was former Fiji fullback Filipe Rayasi who played for Fiji from 1994-97, his last Test being against the All Blacks in 1997.

The former Japan-based player seems relatively impressed by the current crop of Flying Fijians.

"There’s a few of them that I know; they played in Japan, some I’ve seen before on TV playing in France and UK and I think we’re looking quite good."

Rayasi is also quietly confident the Flying Fijians will turn on the style this weekend against the World Champions.

"Fingers crossed I’m hoping the players do the damage and get a win this week and I’ll follow them up to Auckland when they play Samoa."

Nicky Little got a happy surprise after training today when about 100 or so school children sang happy birthday to him on the pitch. Nicky is Fiji’s most popular player wherever he goes and more so in his home country, New Zealand. There was a further surprise for "Lailai" in the evening when a delicious chocolate cake was presented to him by players and management. In case you’re wondering Nicky is 35 years young today.

And finally today the Wellington weather has decided it’s had enough of spring and wants winter back again as two hail showers froze the day. Those of us in our squad who’d never before seen hail were stunned as small balls of ice fell from the sky ... was the world ending? Possibly, but let it end after the Rugby World Cup.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Flying Fijians training at Porirua Park

12 September 2011

Well judging by the media interest in us today we’re obviously playing one of the top teams this Saturday, and they don’t come much bigger than the defending Rugby World Cup (RWC) champions - South Africa. The good news for us is that after their titanic battle against Wales on Sunday evening the Boks have a couple of players ruled out through injury for their game against Fiji; most notably towering lock forward Victor Matfield.

The Flying Fijians coaching team is obviously quite pleased to have seen the two teams batter each other like they did on Sunday night, a situation which assistant coach Shannon Fraser believes could be advantageous for Fiji.

"Both sides showed their hand a little bit in relation to the style and the intent they’re going to play. I think they’ve both had a real good crack at each other which is to our benefit I guess," Fraser said.

After two weeks of relatively pleasant (albeit cold) weather to train in, today was the first abysmal weather day with rain and clouds dominating, though Fraser believes the team’s performance and focus will not be affected by the conditions.

"At the moment we’re not letting that play on us, we’re focusing very much on our own preparation. We’re focusing on making the required adjustments from our last performance, our tactical application for this game, so it’s not enjoyable weather but we’re hoping the sun might appear pretty soon."

The fact Fiji has no major injuries ahead of Saturday’s all important clash against the Boks is good news indeed for the coaching staff.

"Full credit to the medical and strength and conditioning staff that the bodies seem to be in pretty good shape, as we took a bit of a battering against Namibia."

Also good news for the team is the fact Michael Foley returns to coach and guide Fiji’s forwards through the important clash against South Africa. In this regard there’s no doubt South Africa will have in the back of their minds what happened when the two sides last met in the RWC in 2007.

It’s something Fiji will be banking upon.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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The Flying Fijians in church in Wellington

11 September 2011

From the heartland of the North Island - Rotorua with its geysers, mud pools, lakes, forests and smelly air - today we travelled to its base - wet and wild Wellington the capital of Aotearoa. But it was as if Rotorua was saddened to see us leave this morning after two days of brilliant sunshine were obliterated by cloud and icy cold rain. For us it just made the leaving that much easier, as the smell of "Sulphur City" is something that takes a wee bit of getting used to.

In the handbook given to each player at the start of our Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign a couple of weeks ago there is a paragraph in it that talks about the power of rugby in Fiji. It reads as follows:

"The power of rugby in our country is simply incredible. It knows no religious barrier, it does not distinguish between any race, it doesn’t care whether you be rich or poor and YOU, its players, are held up as heroes, to one and all, throughout the width and breadth of this proud nation."

The above phrase came to mind this afternoon when the team was officially welcomed by the Fijian Community in Wellington at a local Methodist Church in the heart of the City. While the fine service was led by Methodist minister, the Reverend Peni Tikoinaka, who hails from Nasautoka Village in Wainibuka, what was interesting was the congregation was made up of all denominations, several races, and many faiths.

It was heartening to see the Fiji-Indo community not only well represented in the congregation but also given the time to address the boys and put across their own thoughts and sentiments on what the Flying Fijians means to them as a team and a unifying force.

After the service there was a lovely dinner put on by the Fijian community for the players and together with the church service it certainly made the team feel very welcome.

Well yesterday is gone and done and this coming week all focus is very much on South Africa - who as I write have just kicked off against Wales. Tomorrow (Monday) the players will review, with the coaching team, the game against Namibia focusing on things that went well and on some of the plays that didn’t quite work.

Here in New Zealand the media focus is very much on the All Blacks and the top teams - England, Australia, South Africa etc - in the competition which obviously puts a great deal of pressure upon them. No one seems to care too much about Fiji which is fine by us, no doubt though with South Africa as our next opponents the media frenzy for Fiji will begin.

Ironically the Flying Fijians actually stay in the same hotel in which the South African embassy is located so just about wherever we turn in this building we see South Africans everywhere. Strange move by the RWC powers-that-be to do that to us, suppose we’ll just have to live with the situation.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Vereniki Goneva walks out onto the field of play prior to the game in which he scored four tries

10 September 2011

What a brilliant player Vereniki Goneva is. Four tries in his first Rugby World Cup (RWC) match is an achievement no one else can claim, not even the great Jonah Lomu scored four in his first RWC match (he had at least a couple of attempts before being able to do it). Perhaps the most impressive thing about Goneva scoring four tries on the wing is the fact he’s actually more at home at centre, however such is his talent he’s now got out a mortgage on the right wing.

The record for most tries in a RWC is only eight so the man from Nagado village outside of Nadi is halfway there already in only his first game. No doubt the ink is already drying on a number of prospective contracts for Goneva to choose from post-RWC. If it isn’t it should be because there’s no doubt we’ll see a lot more of the Nagado kid in the upcoming games.

Mind you, while Goneva might have received the plaudits by claiming the man-of-the-match award, this was very much a team effort. At the front Campese Ma’afu was a pillar of strength at loose head, while at lock Leone Nakarawa combined mobility with power and guile to assist in one of Goneva’s tries. At the back of the scrum number eight Netani Talei displayed a smorgasbord of talent with the ability to catch almost any ball thrown at him, while possessing a neat step and the pace of a back. Outside of the front row Talei could slot in comfortably in almost any position.

One of the shyest players off the pitch Nemia Kenatale is surely as talented a scrumhalf as any playing in the RWC. A wicked pass and great pace he also possesses a much improved kicking game which he used to great effect in the first half. Kenatale’s halfback partner, flyhalf Waisea Luveniyali also had a massive game. Although his concentration lapsed late into the second half much of what he did was first class as he directed play and was both confrontational in defense and aggressive on attack.

Beside Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai was deadly accurate with his goal kicking - I think he only missed one attempt - and he was also solid in defense while on the other wing Napolioni Nalaga tackled and tackled and also bagged a late try himself.

So all in all a good team performance, ably led by skipper Deacon Manu, against a side who had loaded themselves up with their best players in the hope they could catch Fiji cold and claim a first ever win in a RWC tournament. Despite losing a bit of direction midway through the second half, the Flying Fijians showed enough character to dull Namibia’s ambitions and in the process scored the most points by any team in the opening round of the RWC to date. I say this while watching a dull Argentina team take on a terribly out of sorts English side. Give me my Fiji over these dull teams any day of the week.

Oh before I sign off my favourite moment in the game (apart from Goneva’s four tries) was Akapusi Qera’s tackle on Namibia flyhalf Theuns Kotze - that’ll teach him to kick three drop goals and a 58 metre penalty against us. Jeepers, this is rugby not soccer - you score tries to win games. What say?

We’re off to Wellington midday tomorrow (Sunday) where the Flying Fijians will now focus on the second African team in their pool - World Champions, South Africa.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Nicky Little (right) hands team mate and captain Deacon Manu his playing jersey

09 September 2011

Do you remember back in the day those old scratch-and-sniff t-shirts? You’d scratch the picture of the fruit on the t-shirt and it would smell of that fruit. Well if you could do that with a photo of where we’re currently staying you’d get the smell of rotten eggs! That’s because we’re in New Zealand’s Sulphur City - Rotorua - where geo-thermal activity has caused a number of natural wonders which includes geysers, mud pools and the emission of hydrogen sulphide which gives the city a permanent rotten-eggs smell.

However once you get over the smell you find yourself in a wonderful part of New Zealand with not only the striking features of volcanic activity around you but also lakes and an incredible forest which surrounds you. We’re in the heartland of the North Island and it truly is breathtaking - in many ways.

The Rugby World Cup media here is interesting, reading the local papers and listening to the local media you’d barely know Fiji, or Namibia for that matter, were even competing in the RWC. There’s been a great deal of focus on Tonga and Samoa but barely anything on the Flying Fijians.

Not that it’s worrying anyone. In fact it seems to be quite a relief to have landed under the radar where the media is concerned at least. The most media attention the team’s received in New Zealand was when they touched down at Auckland Airport on 29 August. Since then the media have more or less focused their attention on almost every other team while the Flying Fijians have gone about their business patiently and quietly.

The team held their captain’s run this afternoon at the Rotorua International Stadium. A grand sounding name for a ground that is relatively modest, though it does have a fantastic surface. Grass cut like carpet you almost feel like you want to roll around on it.

In the evening there was an extremely emotional jersey presentation ceremony as Fijian great Nicky Little handed out the jerseys to his team mates. The room was charged with emotion as he spoke, and with tears streaming down his face he faced his fellow players and team officials and urged each person in the room to give their very best. It’s not common to see a room of grown men trying to hold back their emotions but there were many big and strong players struggling this evening.

The Flying Fijians were honoured to have the presence of Ms Mere Tora, Fiji’s High Commissioner in New Zealand, during their church service and jersey presentation ceremony.

Anyway Israel Dagg’s just scored the first try of the Rugby World Cup, so that’s enough for now I’m off to watch the rest of the game.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Flying Fijians head coach Sam Domoni announces the Fiji team to play Namibia while team captain Deacon Manu looks on

08 September 2011

With the Fiji team to play Namibia named earlier this afternoon, are we seeing the changing of the guard? Quite possibly. Waisea Luveniyali has immense boots to fill as he claims the starting spot in the pivotal flyhalf position ahead of the great Nicky Little. However the Kasavu villager has his own boots firmly planted on the ground as he looks ahead to just simply playing the game.

"I’m just really excited to be back playing again and playing for Fiji in the Rugby World Cup, I just want to play rugby" Luveniyali said.

In the 2007 version of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) Luveniyali was very much the junior actor behind Little and Seremaia Bai for the flyhalf spot. However, this time around a series of strong performances in recent times, including in last year’s one-off Test against the Wallabies, means the trainee pilot could well be on the way to making the position his own.

But Little is unlikely to settle for second best as he closes in on a record 700 Test points, so the battle for the flyhalf spot could be an intriguing one as Fiji’s RWC campaign progresses.

In the forwards Viliame Veikoso made his debut for Fiji just under two years ago and now starts for the Flying Fijians in their opening Rugby World Cup match. An honour that the Nadi player is humbled by.

"I’m just gonna give it my all and concentrate particularly on the set pieces because I think that’ll be very very important in this game," Veikoso said.

The Cakaudrove native, who is also a first cousin to Fiji and Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera, is determined to get the lineouts working well.

"We’ve been really working hard with our lineouts ever since we finished the series with Tonga and I think it should be good come Saturday."

Meanwhile skipper Deacon Manu has pleaded with fans to get right behind the team not only this Saturday but throughout the RWC.

"I would just plead with fans to get behind us, and I’d like to thank the many fans who have sent so many encouraging messages to the team via our social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and it’s been very encouraging to read the messages of support," said Manu.

Tomorrow (Friday) the team moves from Tauranga to Roturua where it’ll hold the Captain’s Run at the Roturua International Stadium in Roturua from 3:00 PM.

Fiji’s match against Namibia kicks-off at 3:30 PM on Saturday 10 August.

Meanwhile, in case you hadn’t noticed, the Rugby World Cup has finally arrived on everyone’s doorstep with our friendly neighbours Tonga taking on the mighty All Blacks on Friday evening in Auckland. It’s hard to believe four years have flown just like that and we are once again on the verge of world rugby’s greatest event.

Just can’t wait to get into it.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

The full Fiji team versus Namibia is as follows:

1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Viliame Veikoso, 3. Deacon Manu (cpt), 4. Leone Nakarawa, 5. Wame Lewaravu, 6. Domoniko Waqaniburotu, 7. Malakai Ravulo, 8. Netani Talei, 9. Nemia Kenatale, 10. Waisea Luveniyali, 11. Napolioni Nalaga, 12. Seremaia Bai, 13. Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 14. Vereniki Goneva, 15. Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves - 16. Sunia Koto, 17. Waisea Naulago, 18. Sekonaia Kalou, 19. Akapusi Qera, 20. Vitori Buatava, 21. Albert Vulivuli, 22. Iliesa Keresoni

[Top]

Paul Feeney at the Tauranga Domain ground

07 September 2011

At the Tauranga Domain ground this afternoon an old Fiji Rugby friend from six or so years ago was down watching the Flying Fijians put the finishing touches to their training routine ahead of Saturday’s game against Namibia. Former Flying Fijians assistant coach Paul Feeney is now assistant coach of top provincial side Bay of Plenty who finished fourth in this year’s New Zealand national provincial championship - the ITM Cup.

Speaking with Feeney it was quite clear he was, and still is, greatly affected by his time coaching in Fiji and the experience is something he now carries with him all the time.

"Learning to talk to people from a different background, a different culture I think opened my eyes and helped me as a coach, and learning to work with people who are a bit more shy and don’t say what they think, I think, was really good," Feeney said of his time in Fiji.

During his time in Fiji Feeney helped, then head coach, Wayne Pivac claim the Rugby World Cup Sevens trophy in 2005, and it’s an event he rates as the greatest moment in his life.

"Just the whole episode of being involved in the World Cup Sevens I think was really good. It’s the biggest moment in my life for rugby and always will be."

"To see the joy in people’s faces taking that Cup in a 16-hour bus trip from Nadi down to Suva; that will always be the greatest moment of my life."

Understandably Feeney remains a strong supporter of Fiji Rugby and, while he admits he doesn’t know too much about the current team, he believes the Flying Fijians, on their day, could be a real threat.

"I know they’ll be a dark horse, if they play well we all know that if the passes stick they could do anything," Feeney said.

"I’m looking forward to going to the Wales game, wearing my Fijian number ones, I’ve still got them and I’ll wear them with pride, sing the old anthem ‘Blessing Grant O God of Nations’, they’re good boys and I wish them all the best."

A few players still remain in the Flying Fijians from Feeney’s period with Fiji Rugby, most notably Nicky Little and Seremaia Bai, and the former provincial fullback was able to catch up with both players after training this afternoon.

Well within camp spirits are high with the team to be officially named tomorrow (Thursday) at 2:00 PM at a media conference at the team hotel. Prior to that, in the morning, the whole team will have their individual photos taken for the official Rugby World Cup match programme.

On Friday the team says goodbye to Tauranga as it heads for Rotorua - the venue city for Fiji’s opening game against Namibia.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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A Maori welcome!

06 September 2011

Culture is a funny thing sometimes. It defines us as a people but divides us as a region. It demands respect from its followers but can invoke fear or derision from outsiders. So it was interesting to see today two ancient cultures meeting as the Flying Fijians were officially welcomed to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) by the Maori of the Tauranga Marae.

However the ferocious way in which we were initially welcomed had us a little worried at first. The bulging eyes, the threatening tongue gestures and the wild provocative movements as we stepped onto the grounds of the marae had us a little confused, and for a moment and we weren’t sure whether we were being welcomed or being threatened.

In the end though it proved to be a very moving event particularly for two of our own players, captain Deacon Manu and flyhalf Nicky Little, players who are both half Maori.

"My mother is Fijian and my father is Maori so this whole ceremony was very moving for me and I’m sure all the boys here will also remember this occasion for a long time to come," Manu said, as he addressed everyone gathered within the marae.

There was a special treat for the players when they were presented their official RWC caps by RWC Limited Director Oregan Hoskins in the marae - a proud moment for each and every player.

Incidentally Hoskins is also the President of the South African Rugby Union. He seemed rather coy over the fact he was the one presenting the caps to the Flying Fijians, particularly as his team is also in the same pool as Fiji. By the end of the evening Hoskins was left in no doubt about what Fiji intend to do to South Africa, and the comments didn’t come from us (well there may have been one comment) but from the many Kiwis around him. Apparently the Kiwis will support any team that plays South Africa!

Anyway the Tauranga Marae visit ended an extremely full day taken up with two sessions of training and an official RWC media conference. The boys, though, took everything in their stride and still had enough energy to laugh and joke around with each other at the end of the day. An indication of the strong spirit within the camp as centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu attests to.

"The spirit is high and the boys are ready to do the job on Saturday and give Namibia a good game," Lovobalavu said.

With the commitment and tenacity he’s shown in fighting his way back from a serious leg injury, it shouldn’t be any surprise if Lovobalavu is named in the team to face Namibia.

"It was difficult over the last few weeks, but right now I’m 100 percent fit and ready to go."

Which is good news indeed, with a little under four days to go before Fiji meets Namibia in its opening RWC match. The full team to face Namibia will be named on Thursday.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Ravai Fatiaki (left) unloads the pass under pressure from Netani Talei during training in Tauranga

05 September 2011

It was goodbye this morning to Ohope and the Ohope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park who’ve looked after us so well over the past week; ensuring we were comfortably accommodated and excellently fed throughout the week. However, full credit to the Flying Fijians who left an impression on the Holiday Park’s staff, as general manager Justine Knowles revealed.

"We’ve had many teams come through our place and your boys are very shy and so polite and I can honestly say you’re the most well behaved team we’ve ever had," Knowles said in a speech addressed to the team prior to our departure this morning.

As a special gesture to thank Knowles and her staff for their hospitality, team manager - Pio Tikoisuva, presented Knowles with a signed jersey and rugby balls. Soon after the presentation the team departed Ohope and arrived in Tauranga shortly after 11 this morning. The two hour bus journey giving some of us time to catch up on some much needed rest after all the early morning packing.

On arrival at our hotel in Tauranga everything suddenly became more urgent and more official, and it was quite clear we were now well and truly in Rugby World Cup (RWC) mode. However, the business of training still goes on for the side and this afternoon the team had a bit of a blow out at the Tauranga Domain ground whose facilities impressed Flying Fijians assistant coach Greg Mumm.

"We’ve got great facilities here as you can see and I think the guys are just happy to be finally here after so long training and so long getting ready for it," Mumm said.

While many rugby pundits believe Fiji has a soft start to its RWC campaign with South African side Namibia its first opponent this Saturday, Mumm believes the Flying Fijians will need to be on top of their game if they are too see off the threat of the Namibians.

"They’ve got a very good attacking game so we need to make sure we’re very clinical with what we do as they’ve definitely got the potential to hurt us."

The good news for the Flying Fijians though is they now possess a squad that is injury free.

"None of the boys are on rehab at the moment, they’re all fully fit, so we’ve got a full 30-man squad to select from which is great," Mumm added.

While there was no official engagement today, from tomorrow members of the team must front up to the media almost every single day throughout the duration of the RWC. While a number of the more senior players within the squad are more than comfortable with the media there are a few players who will find speaking to the international media a huge challenge - so interesting times ahead on that front.

One player though who is finding himself more at ease with speaking publicly and in English is Vereniki Goneva - the favourite player of many Fiji fans. One of his roles within the team is to act as the information officer giving out information on each new place we come to on tour. This morning he gave us a great speech on the bus in near perfect English about the city of Tauranga. Just a few weeks ago it would’ve been hard to imagine the player speaking as eloquently as he did this morning - well done Niki.

Tomorrow there is an official welcome ceremony for the players at the Tauranga Marae - should be a great cultural event, particularly as we have a couple of Maori players within the side - Deacon Manu and Nicky Little.

However, with two trainings sessions, the Tauranga Marae visit, as well as the official opening media conference all planned for tomorrow, it seems the the day will barely hold enough hours to fulfill all our obligations.

We’ll see how we go.

Until then, moce mada.

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(L-R) Kini Murimurivalu and Gabiriele Lovobalavu preparing Father’s Day lunch

04 September 2011

Sunday in the land of the long white cloud, in a place where you have to wait for the water to warm up before it’s cool enough to drink, where you switch the air-condition on to warm the room and the blankets in bed are electric.

Today’s our last day in beautiful yet cold Ohope. Tomorrow (Monday) morning we’re on the bus heading for Tauranga where our Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign truly begins as we slot into the official RWC schedule. Our stay in Ohope has been fairly low key, away from the main city areas the team has been able to keep to themselves without the distractions offered by fans, friends or relatives.

However, being the sixth largest suburban area in New Zealand, Tauranga has a population of 120,000 people and it’s likely the team, and the team manager in particular, will be challenged trying to keep the team focused on its impending opening RWC clash with Namibia; as well as trying to appease the myriad of demands that are likely to come in not only from those mentioned above, but also from local organizations and charities.

A commitment though has already been made by all involved in this campaign - from the management and the players - that the focus will be on each and every game in the RWC and requests, outside of the Flying Fijians current RWC schedule, are unlikely to be approved.

Lotu this morning was led, as it has been every day in New Zealand, by Reverend Joji Rinakama and today being Father’s Day all the non-fathers were asked to sing a song to all the fathers in the team and, to be fair, the non-fathers were in pretty good voice despite being few in number.

Lunch was an in-house affair with the team cooking lunch for themselves, which included the several large fish caught by a few of the players yesterday afternoon. In the end the lunch prepared would have rivaled anything from any top notch restaurant - baked fish, pork curry, chicken drumsticks, fried pork and more.

Anyway from Fijian sons and daughters here in Ohope, New Zealand to all fathers in Fiji - Happy Father’s Day!

Moce mada.

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New Zealand 7s coach Gordon Tietjens pays a visit to the Flying Fijians team management

03 September 2011

Saturday morning and whilst most people were enjoying the weekend off, the Flying Fijians were in the office for half a day working once again on game play situations with the assistance of local players from around Whakatane.

There’s no doubting the players look fit and sharp and now it’s just a question of getting things right on the day. To this end the coaching staff of Sam Domoni, Greg Mumm, Joji Rinakama and Shannon Foster continually ask the question of players by putting them in various game play situations and coaching them to react accordingly in those situations.

As always, though, the coaches are tempering play by the book with the natural enthusiasm and flair of the players, thereby ensuring the Flying Fijians combine the best of both worlds in an effort to bamboozle their opponents during the Rugby World Cup (RWC).

On hand this afternoon to watch the Flying Fijians train was arguably one of Whakatane’s most celebrated sons, Richard Littlejohn. Who, one may ask? Well without Littlejohn’s drive, organizational skills and commitment to the game the world of rugby would be a far different place than what it is today for the Whakatane native is actually one of the co-founders of the RWC.

However, prior to his involvement in founding the Rugby World Cup, Littlejohn was team manager of the last All Blacks team (despite it being called a New Zealand XV at the time) to tour Fiji back in 1984. He recalls, at the time, being particularly impressed with the standard of rugby they came across on their four match tour.

"I was surprised with the Fijian standard and I don’t think we decisively beat any of the teams. We won all the games but they weren’t big scores, there wasn’t a huge difference and I was impressed with the Fijian standard of rugby," Littlejohn said.

Though there is one particular incident that occurred on the tour that stays with him to this day, a reminder perhaps of how fickle fans can be at times.

"There’s a little thing, we would call it a maize cob, and at one stage a Fijian winger, who should have scored, dropped the ball and the crowd opposite him started throwing these things at him and there was just a hail of these little black cobs flying around his head."

While he doesn’t believe similar tours by the All Blacks would be of any value in this day and age he does believe there should be regular Test matches.

"I can’t see the value of touring Fiji but I can see the value of playing two Test matches or something like that."

Meanwhile, and with all due respect to Littlejohn, an even more famous son of the Bay of Plenty area, Gordon Tietjens, took time out this afternoon to visit team management and compare notes. To be frank, listening to Tietjens is like listening to a rugby coaching manual as he imparts coaching and training tips and techniques in such a knowledgeable manner that you feel you should be taking notes.

He’s one of the few coaches in international rugby whom even seasoned international coaches would be in awe of and for a person who’s four or so years shy of his 60th birthday he looks in pretty good shape too.

Anyway have just heard some of the players have returned from an afternoon fishing expedition with some large fish, so I think that’s dinner taken care of.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Children at Ohope Beach School welcome the Flying Fijians

03 September 2011

Primary School students of Ohope Beach School gave the Flying Fijians an emotional welcome to their school at midday today after the players had completed their morning training session. The primary school pupils put on a traditional Maori dance on behalf of the players and waved small Fiji flags to show their support for Fiji.

The players were so moved they sang an impromptu song for their young hosts, which was warmly appreciated, and then signed various items including a Fiji Rugby jersey for the kids. The team is certainly having an effect on the townsfolk of Ohope and Whakatane with people in both towns greeting the players wherever they go, while the Mayor of Whakatane joined the team for its church service in the evening.

On the training front, and after a day of rest, it was very much head down and back into the nitty-gritty of things with the morning session taken up by various game play situations. With Fiji’s game against Namibia only seven days away, there’s now a competitive edge for places in the starting XV as assistant coach Shannon Fraser revealed, "We’ve got some amazing talent within the group and everyone’s competing for positions," Fraser said.

"The boys are training very well, we’ve had a couple of speed humps along the way with some little niggles but all have come through very well, so it’s a very competitive group at the moment."

One player staking a strong claim for selection into the starting line-up against Namibia is Kasavu villager and former Nadi flyhalf, Waisea Luveniyali.

"I’m just really excited to be back playing again and playing for Fiji and also for the World Cup," Luveniyali said.

The UK-based player is certainly not taking first round opponents Namibia for granted.

"They’re a really good team and we’re not counting them out because they have lots of players playing overseas in the UK and the Currie Cup (South Africa), so yeah it’s going to be tough.

Meanwhile, just to lighten proceedings this afternoon, Fraser offered $50 (New Zealand dollars!) to any player who could hit the crossbar from beyond the 22m line by any means whatsoever.

Fullback and sometimes winger Iliesa Keresoni won the bet with a kick that landed on top of the crossbar. Keresoni’s joy though was short lived as two and a half hours later he was fined $60 at the player’s court session for having failed to pay an earlier fine.

Oh well, such is life - you win some and then lose a bit more.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Residents of the town of Ohope show their support for the Flying Fijians

02 September 2011

Have you ever seen the movie when the bus of some rock band drives through a town or city with a mass of screaming fans waving and running after it? Well it’s not quite the same here in Whakatane, but the Flying Fijians bus is a real novelty for the people of this well-to-do coastal town. You’ll often see cars slowing down and kids and old folk waving at the bus as it goes past.

In fact in the actual town of Ohope, where the team resides, people of one residence have gone as far as putting out an impressive Bula Fiji sign on their property. We’re not sure if they have links to Fiji but, regardless, it certainly makes us feel very welcome.

Well today was a rest day and, as any professional athlete will tell you, rest is an extremely important part of overall preparation. Two hard days of training have seen the players step up their performance on the training ground. The body now needs to rest and recuperate and that’s exactly what the players have done today, earning themselves the chance to recharge their batteries.

In terms of injuries things are looking pretty good with all injured players responding very well to treatment. It’s likely just about everyone will be back on the training field tomorrow, including winger Michael Tagicakibau whose hamstring injury was not as serious as first thought, though the Flying Fijians medical team will be keeping a close watch on the player.

There is however slight concern over prop Campese Ma’afu who has been isolated with a viral infection under the orders of team doctor, Emosi Taloga.

"While the infection isn’t serious, it’s just important the player is isolated so the infection does not spread to the other players," Taloga said.

Tomorrow training kicks off again in Whakatane at 9:30 AM, with a further training session in the afternoon. As D-Day approaches for the Namibia game its likely training will begin to taper off next week with the coaching staff wanting to ensure players are in peak condition for their opening Rugby World Cup match.

It’s incredible to believe the Flying Fijians are only eight days away from their opening game. Time has flown and flying to victory is something Fiji is determined to achieve against every single opponent in its pool.

By the way, many thanks for all your support on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Until tomorrow, moce mada.

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Injured wingers (L-R) Napolioni Nalaga & Michael Tagicakibau

01 September 2011

Apparently tomorrow is the first day of spring in New Zealand, not that you’d really notice, the flowers aren’t shouting their joy and the weather is still cold enough to freeze the thingies off a brass monkey.

Speaking of the cold, United Kingdom based player Michael Tagicakibau was, this afternoon, highlighting the fact he plays his rugby in winter and now misses the warmest part of an English summer to play in the Rugby World Cup in climates not too dissimilar to an English winter. He then misses out on a Southern Hemisphere summer to return to wintery England and resume playing for the Saracens Rugby Club - some guys just don’t have any luck at all.

But for Michael it wasn’t just the weather or the seasons getting him down as today a pulled hamstring laid him low. While it’s not a serious injury it does mean he’s unlikely to train for at least four or five days. And adding misery to injury was the fact Napolioni Nalaga was badly winded in the chest this afternoon by an inglorious late tackle (at least that’s how Naps describes it) from Leone Nakarawa - perhaps it’s a Nadroga-Kadavu relationship thing!

Anyway, while Michael and Naps were doing their utmost best to keep team physiotherapists William Koong and Jennifer Khalik busy, our only other winger Vereniki Goneva was still recovering from a slight ankle sprain picked up last week. The sight of Fiji’s three wingers all injured, though none of the injuries were particularly serious, was certainly enough to cause backs coach Shannon Fraser much angst.

"It’s unbelievable our three wingers are all injured at the moment, can’t really believe it," Fraser said with some concern this afternoon.

There are other injury concerns, though none particularly serious at the moment, with Sunia Koto nursing a sore shoulder and Campese Ma’afu feeling uncomfortable after having taken a nasty knock on the head.

Today the players put themselves through two very rigorous training sessions; pushing themselves to the very limit as they prepare for their match against Namibia next Saturday in Rotorua. The forwards in particular were put through strenuous drills in the morning as forwards coach Greg Mumm had them doing a series of scrums.

"The boys had a very tough morning and I think they were at it for about two and a quarter hours," Mumm said.

"This week’s an important week for us as we’re going to make sure we get everything we want done before we lighten the load for our first game next week, and the scrum is obviously something we’ve been building on and working pretty hard at and making sure we’re not losing our focus leading into the Rugby World Cup."

While captain Deacon Manu may not be the fastest forward around the paddock (well he is a prop after all) he certainly isn’t shirking any of the training and is ensuring no one else does either. The former Waikato Chief insists players do each and every drill correctly without cutting corners, and on occasion very willing to ensure the drill is done again if it hasn’t been done properly. Quiet by nature Deacon is proving to be a strong leader.

Tomorrow the players take a bit of a rest as their bodies recover from what has been two very strenuous days and it’s certainly been tiring just watching them. The players certainly deserve their break, however there’s no doubt come Friday they’ll be back at the grindstone with Namibia on their minds.

Until tomorrow.

Moce mada.

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Flying Fijians fans at Auckland Airport

31 August 2011

Well every single journey, however long and brutal, always begins with a single step and as the Flying Fijians stepped out of Auckland Airport on Monday, and into a cool New Zealand afternoon, there to welcome us on our way were the smiling faces of hundreds of fans and spectators. It was a magical moment as sky blue flags beset with the Union Jack and the royal golden lion looked magnificent as they were waved in unison to welcome Fiji’s gladiators.

On hand too was a Maori dance troupe and New Zealand dignitaries to formally welcome Fiji - the first team to officially arrive for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011. Team manager Pio Tikoisuva was overwhelmed with the reception and promised Fiji would be determined to be the last country to leave carrying the coveted William Webb Ellis trophy away. It was a comment that received a rapturous round of applause from those in attendance.

After the warm welcome Fiji were soon on the bus heading for their accommodation in the quaint town of Ohope, a five and a half hour journey through the Waikato and into the Bay of Plenty. While New Zealanders are known for their distinct love of sheep, in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, it’s cattle that rule.

With the official opening of rugby’s greatest act now only eight or so days away focus for the Flying Fijians has stepped up in earnest. This was quite clear prior to our departure for New Zealand last Monday when giant number eight Sisa Koyamaibole stood up and spoke candidly to the players during the morning team meeting about their self-discipline and the importance of maintaining that self-discipline through the RWC.

It seems to have been a talk that’s hit home as, despite almost nine hours of travelling, the players put in two exceptional performances in training today at Rugby Park, the home ground of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub-Union located at Whakatane.

Despite the grueling sessions the players still found time to meet and greet the many school children who’d come down to watch them train, and why wouldn’t you - the last time an international team visited or played in Whakatane was the Wallabies over 50 years ago.

On the injury front winger Napolioni Nalaga seems to be fully healed from his fractured finger as he now participates fully in all aspects of training while centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu returned to full contact training today with lock Sekonaia Kalou also beginning to take a more active role in training.

It’s bitterly cold here in New Zealand at the moment and particularly in Ohope where the rain has started to pour down at 9:00 PM as this article is being written. While it may be great acclimatization for the players during the day in the evening all we want is a warm bed and at least two or three blankets.

It’s another full day of work and training tomorrow so, unless the Ohope climate miraculously warms up overnight, getting out of bed could be a struggle!

Moce mada.

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