Letters to the Editor – July 11

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Fiji Airways 7s Team poses for a photo at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Picture: REINAL CHAND

7s team is ready
“This world cup might not come again in the lives of the chosen players who have been entrusted with the responsibility of playing for their nation. They should play the top 14 minutes of their rugby life as they may not be able to play again in another world cup.”
This was the message from Timoci Wainiqolo, who had an illustrious 7s career both as a coach and player. He coached our 7s team to the HK and Gold Coast 7s wins and nurtured Namosi and Wardens. This call is similar to Serevi’s address prior to the 2005 RWC 7s when he urged the boys to play every game just like it was the last game of their lives. Jim and Serevi played together and they know what it takes to win tournaments. Serevi has been a loyal servant and has been part of some great and wonderful 7s victories.
Serevi and Vunibaka, I believe, are the only players to have tasted two Melrose Cup wins and both were instrumental orchestrators in our wins. Serevi was the gem of a playmaker while Vunibaka loved scoring tries.
Unlike the 2005 RWC 7s team which played four pool games and then three matches in the elimination rounds, this year’s team gets an opportunity to lift the Melrose Cup in four games. One knockout match against Uruguay or Japan and then the quarters, semis and final makes the RWC 7s exciting and full of surprises. Argentina has started preparations early while we all know that USA will prove to be vibrant and strong hosts. South Africa snatched the WRSS title from within our grasp while the All Blacks walked away with gold from Gold Coast.
England spoilt our party in France while teams like Samoa, Wales and Australia have proved to be our nemesis in previous 7s tournaments.
On the other hand, while a lot of emphasis will be on the men’s team, I plead with fans to rally the same support towards Tanivula and his troops. The Fijiana need our support and prayers to do well in San Francisco especially when they play Spain. The World Cup soccer has witnessed shocking results and upsets. Let’s hope that the World Cup Rugby 7s is kind to Fiji. Mum celebrated her birthday yesterday and being an ardent 7s fan, she’s keeping her fingers crossed for a special birthday gift from afar.
As I conclude, I eagerly await the thrills and spills of the 2018 RWC 7s with the number one The Fiji Times and established rugby journalists in Maciu Malo and Jovesa Naisua!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam,
Nadawa, Nasinu.

How about a national debate
The prime minister and Sitiveni Rabuka are always having a war of words. The prime minister speaks from inside Parliament and Mr Rabuka cannot defend himself because he is not a MP. Mr Rabuka says things and our PM cannot defend himself because of his political commitments.
How about if for the first time we have a debate similar to close-up and all the political leaders are invited so we can have a national debate. Fiji One or FBC can you facilitate something?
JOHN BROWN
Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka

Things still missing
We have quite a good number of academics and many skilful experts, legal personnel and scientists yet we still have a lot of things missing within our nation.
ALEX WAQALEVU
Lautoka

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