Sevens hi-five
The super analysis of Kameli Rakoko, the cutting-edge editorial of Fred Wesley and the kaleidoscopic cartoon of Sachin (FT 05/06), has aptly captured the pulsating performance of the Flying Fijians at the Twickenham Stadium. It has motivated me to pen a few words in favour of King Jerry and his troop. I believe it was the will and determination of the players to win not only for themselves but all Fijians at home and the supporters worldwide. I may add here that Twickenham was blessed to have the magnificent flying Fijians grace and hug their ground. The entire team and management deserve accolades. Looking back, Radradra provided the much needed thunder, Tuisova was a man gusto, Jerry Tuwai hovered around the field like the general he is, Nasilasila’s moves as usual were thrillers, Moceinacagi’s running was watched with glee, Nasoko pummelled the opposition like dough, letting the game flow, Dranisinukula manoeuvred like a 10-wheeler, Waisea bamboozled the opponents here and there and every where, Vakurinabuli dwarfed the opponents at every opportunity, Veremalua showed that he was a man of mettle, Vatemo was always eager to increase the tempo and Eroni Sau, what can I say, “you the man, tau!” Looks like coach Baber has finally found the right rugby home. High five to Baber, Jerry and the gallant 7s team. One more to go! Go Fiji go. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Master off-loader
Much has been said about the magical performance of our 7s gladiators. The two obvious deadly weapons they possessed were their ever improving defence and of course the free flowing attack through immense skills and precise understanding. What made them stand out among other teams was the spectacular off-loading abilities which kept opposing teams on their toes. Nasoko has his own version of the art, Jasa is a specialist, Kunatani is unique and even the smaller boys in the form of Tuwai and Nasilasila. But what would we expect when the King arrives. The true master of this special move is none other than Nakarawa. Bringing him into the mix is just like bringing the World Cup home. Hail the King! Waisale Moce, Nadarivatu
Rookie of the year
World Rugby has announced that Flying Fijians Naduva and Sau and Aussie try scoring machine Ben O’Donnell have been short-listed for the WRSS Rookie of the Year. Naduva and Sau have been in top form. Naduva showed his scoring prowess in Hamilton and Singapore rescuing Fiji from defeat. Sau, nicknamed the “Sledgehammer” has been a sensation not only in attack and scoring thrilling tries but has also been aggressive in defence. O’Donnell, on the other hand, has been acrobatic and brilliant with his skills and has led the Aussies well. Only time will tell if the Aussie “thunderbolt” can edge the rock stars from the crazy rugby nation. I wish our duo all the best for the Rookie of the Year Award. Finally, I congratulate Semi “The Trailer” Radradra for walking away with the Player of the Final award in London! As I conclude, let’s give a standing ovation to “The Bus” as he returns with his sweetheart Taru and two-month-old-son Timoci. Thank you for the role that you played in our London 7s win Tui! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Good to know
It is good to note that FSC has reduced the production cost per unit from $800 to $491 in the past three years which is about 40 per cent. The FSC chairman has said that they are still working to bring it down further. This is a good sign of good times to come for FSC and that will mean they can stand on their own feet. If this trend continues then we expect the farmers to get better price for their cane in years to come. Good luck to FSC and may your hard work pay with the desired results. Nardeo Mishra Suva
System issue
Government has introduced systems where money is given for nothing to assist those affected by cyclones and floods. Can’t a similar system be introduced to lure the hundreds of unemployed, living in villagers and settlements around the West by supplementing canegrowers and eradicate canecutter shortage? At least they will not be getting money for nothing. Dan Urai, Lautoka
Onward to Paris
Just as you open a tightly sealed Coke zero bottle lid to quench your thirst and the soft drink shoots out of the bottle, the hunger and thirst to win the London 7s exploded right in the centre of the field and kept exploding. The army of the patriotic North West section of the stadium flooded with Fijian fans crazy as ever kept the two-day tournament on its feet. The juggernauts Tuisova and Radradra injected the fireballs and the team just hit the top shelf, and remained undefeated 24 straight games in four tournaments, a feat of consistency not achieved before. Go Fiji the fairytale ends in Paris the city of dreams …kon roki. Shawlyn Prasad, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Selfless service
How does one measure a life well lived? The late Deaconess Olovie Kauroto Nataniela lived a full life of compassionate service to many; most notably at the Dilkusha Home, Davuilevu. With the help of other similarly compassionate heroes, she brought up, nurtured and empowered many children at the home. She was their father, mother, friend, provider, guardian and more. Many such beloved children have moved on as empowered and responsible members of their communities; both locally and abroad. As we remember such a life of self-less service, I submit with conviction and fond memories that Deaconess Olovie epitomised the life well lived. I further say, with the firm belief that she has heard the comforting words of our Lord that she faithfully served — “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of our Lord”. Kiniviliame Keteca, Nausori
Special moments
After having a good laugh, when I read Pita Soroaqali’s letter (FT 06/06) on his episode at a supermarket I have to share this with you. I was at a big supermarket waiting for someone when I saw a chap and his four sons walk in. I was still there 30 minutes later and saw the chap walk out with his sons. They were all carrying their shopping in their arms, balancing them like jugglers. When the chap saw me with a wry smile on my face he said, “Sa rui sau levu na plastic bag (The bags are too expensive).” That reminded me of when I went to another supermarket to buy butter. At the counter the cashier asked, “Plastic bag?” I said, “No thanks,” and put the pound of butter in my pocket. I gave her the thumbs up and she nearly died laughing. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Structured chaos
Welcome to “structured chaos” as only the Fijian Bula boys can showcase on any 7s rugby field in the world. And it is only fitting that the structured chaos of Fiji’s 7s rugby was put on display for the world and our planetary extra-terrestrial neighbours to witness on the hallowed Twickenham ground in London! I am sure that by the end of the HSBC London 7s, even the Queen was cheering for Fiji’s Bula boys, spreading their expansive, flamboyant, sizzling and magical 7s rugby like no one else can. And I believe that she would agree with Merlin that the Bula boys 7s display on Twickenham was bordering on the mystical and a gift just for her, from the team for allowing Fiji to be a part of her Commonwealth reign. Again, the Bula boys from a speck of dust in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean have conquered the world. They have mesmerised the world like no one else can and have fortified in the Olympic committee’s minds that rugby 7s should be a feature for all future Olympic Games! To the Fijian Bula boys 7s team, congratulations for the fantastic 7s exhibited and the excellent fourth consecutive HSBC win on the trot. It was truly magnificent and we thank our Heavenly Father for the blessings that he has bestowed on the team. As we look forward to Paris, we in Fiji know that our Bula boys will continue their adoration in the ‘City of Love’ by devoting all their love for the game of 7s rugby to finish off the 2018 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with a win. Fiji Bula boys — We got this! Epeli Rabua, Suva
Taxi permits
If taxi permits are given to those who earn less than $20,000 per annum collectively, then where will they get the $6000 required to get their business up and running, leave alone acquiring a vehicle of their own? Or their business will start from getting down, crawling and lying. Pita Soroaqali, Nadarivatu
Lions mesmerise
I congratulate and thank the Babasiga Lions for defeating Nadi to book a spot in the FACT final. The Lions scored nine goals and conceded one. Hats off to the Lions for showing exceptional soccer skills which reminisced the glorious days of Namoce, Tuilevuka, Catarogo, the late Peters, Lomu, Buli, Rasoki, Livai, Tukania, Ramend Dutt, Levaci and the Francis brothers who donned the red and white striped jumper. Thank you for the goals Ilisoni! I am sure that Labasa will add this year’s title to the 1992, ’97, ’99 and 2015 winning album when the dust settles at Ratu Cakobau Park. Kon roki! Jag lal lal lal! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
A good pack
Our Flying Fijians are a good pack and this should be a good outing for our warriors this weekend. Of course the Samoans would be trying for a win, but home ground is always a bonus for us and surely our lads will be on top of their game and showcase their worth. With the likes of Nakarawa, Radradra and other big guns here, it’s going to be an uphill battle for Samoa. Toso Viti, toso. Richard M. Abe,l Suva
Big question
According to LTA the successful applicants of taxi permits can do whatever they want with it. The biggest question is who will value the taxi permit? I believe Lautoka has got a big traffic problem with less traffic lights and less traffic police manning the intersections. I agree with the vice-president of the Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association when he raised the issue. Looks like Narayan Reddy had done his homework well. John Brown, Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Soccer trip
I would like to know if the Fiji Football Association is paying the travel and accommodation costs for the Labasa soccer team. The funny thing is, it will take three weekends to complete a small tournament. I just wish I had a sponsor to go from Labasa and watch these games wherever they have them. Sukha Singh, Labasa
