One of World Rugby’s key values is respect, so on one side, I think that the way the Fiji players conduct themselves is a great thing, but sadly, I don’t think that it helps them at times.
Former Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan stated this saying he was disappointed by Fiji’s defeat to Wales in their opening pool game and believes that key decisions went against the team.
Ryan says when he was coaching the sevens team, it was different, as subconsciously the referees were thinking that Fiji is going to win, but in 15s it’s different, Fiji are not expected to win.
He says Fiji are not going to crowd the referee and make a fuss.
Former England captain Dylan Hartley tweeted after the game that he felt Fiji had been harshly treated by officials against Wales.
Former Samoa international and CEO of Pacific Rugby Welfare Daniel Leo was equally critical of the refereeing decisions against Fiji on Twitter.
Leo says it is a sad day when our Pacific values of honour, respect and humility are no longer compatible with winning professional rugby games.
He says whinging, questioning every decision and swearing at your own teammates seeming to pay dividends.
After a near-miss against Wales, Ryan believes that the Fijians will be full of confidence for a must-win clash against the Wallabies.
The Gold medal winning coach says it’s extremely possible that Fiji will knock them over, given what it would mean to the team and it would show that they can beat anyone.
He says ultimately,he would love to see Fiji having the opportunity to compete in the Rugby Championship to drive standards to an even higher level consistently.
After leading Fiji to Olympic gold, Ryan helped put together a group of investors potentially interested in entering a Fijian team into Super Rugby.
He strongly believed that Fiji needed a professional team within the country to help the national team compete at the highest level and is pleased to witness the impact of the Fijian Drua.
Ryan says the Drua and their success have been the biggest single factor in helping the National team on the field.
He says it’s not just about the players; the talent has always been there in Fiji.
The former 7s coach says it’s about everything else, creating a professional set-up behind the scenes, having that network in place, having great coaches and physios.
He says the Fijian camp at the World Cup is an extremely happy one, but that was always the norm for him with sevens.
The Flying Fijians face the Wallabies at 3.45am next Monday.
You can check out all the Rugby World Cup stories, interviews, photos, videos and schedules on our website, fijivillage.
Meanwhile the France and Uruguay game has just kicked off.
Stay with us for updates.
[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]
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