There are no unhappy players in the Fiji 15s camp according to Manager, Pio Bosco Tikoisuva.
Speaking from NZ, Tikoisuva said the players just did not play according to the game plans set out and that is why we lost to Samoa.
Tikoisuva said he has been asking the players if they are unhappy about anything but the response is that there is nothing wrong.
1999 Rugby World Cup coach for Fiji and former All Black, Brad Johnstone indicated yesterday that there are some unhappy players in the Fiji 15’s team and indecision in the coaching camp.
Johnstone who is currently in NZ made this comment after watching the Fiji vs Samoa pool match at Eden Park on Sunday and speaking to some of the players after the match.
Meanwhile Tikoisuva also confirmed that all the Fiji players are being treated fairly and they will all be paid a total of $30,000 each after Fiji’s last pool match this weekend.
The Fiji team is determined not to be swayed by the occasion ahead of their clash with Wales at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday.
Captain Deacon Manu said they just want to have fun, while admitting the Fijians had lost their rhythm.
Players and management admit that since the start of their Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign, they have lost some of the joy of playing rugby.
Manu said they haven't been enjoying the journey too much over the past three weeks so they have been trying to get their minds off rugby.
He said in the preparation this week, they have really tried to enjoy themselves off the field.
Fiji coach Samu Domoni said the plan to lighten the mood is working, judging by the players' attitude on the training pitch.
Domoni said you can see the players are laughing and enjoying themselves.
The Fijians are now out of contention for the quarter-finals, but they say motivation will not be an issue come Sunday.
Manu said in the end, they are still representing their country.
Fiji takes on Wales at 5pm Sunday.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Feature
All is well in Fiji 15s camp-Tikoisuva
