Relief for two-time RWC champions
THE after-match comments from the coach and captain of two-time former champions showed their relief because they knew it was a close call.
The Wallabies had to rely on forward play and Fijian influence to scrape through.
The team which recently beat the mighty All Blacks were behind for over an hour.
It was petty errors which proved to be the difference.
Despite the loss, variation in lineout and attack was impressive.
There was quite a hype surrounding the strength of the Fijian off-loading game.
I am glad it was not forcefully used against the Wallabies.
The strength of this team lies in possession.
Possession with the bulldozing backline and loosemen.
That is where speed and power is available in loads.
With Kunatani and Yato back, it already looks like a salivating do or die against the Dragons is on the horizon.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
The man in the middle
IN his control of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians vs Qantas Wallabies’ pool match in RWC2019, I am more than 200 per cent certain Kiwi ref Ben O’Keeffe, an ophthalmologist by profession, must be “eye-sighted” with greatest urgency.
To say a Rugby World Cup ref is only human and subjected to human error/s, is grossly inexcusable.
At this highest level of international rugby competition, he has two assistant refs to facilitate him, more than adequately.
Admittedly, highest state-of-the-art technologies, via TMO add to his ability to perform his tasks with unreserved neutrality and highest professionalism. (Conveniently, looking the other way is a sad and sorry shame).
Beautiful try scorer Peceli Yato copped that 37th-minute shoulder to head high-shot by Reece Hodge, taking him out and resulted in failed HIA.
Flying Fijian captain Waqaniburotu so rightly brought this cheap high shot to “vision impaired O’Keeffe’s” attention.
Only to be brushed aside: “I did not see it.”
A good professional responsible RWC ref must call for TMO assistance.
O’Keeffe failed, miserably to immediately eliminate any doubt, and professional sportsmanship.
No “ifs” and no “buts”, Wallaby Reece Hodge must be cited with utmost urgency.
Kiwi ref O’Keeffe cannot and must not be allowed to get away so easily.
He too must be “eye-sighted” before he ruins another RWC match.
To conveniently state not seeing the high shot on Yato is grossly unfathomable.
Thank you awesome Fiji Airways Flying Fijians for holding your own for about 60 minutes against the might of the Qantas Wallabies, when we copped that yellow for something far less severe than a cheap shoulder to head shot, by definition, dangerous and ultimate red card (Sports science writer Ross Tucker).
With one man short, our game fell apart, understandably, and rather sadly.
Nevertheless, please pick up the valuable pieces.
Lessons learned.
Move on proudly.
Focus on next mission with positivity.
Stay strong.
Be extremely disciplined.
Tighten defences.
Rewards must come.
Tabu soro.
Na ma’e na ma’e.
O Viti ko.
Qi vucukia na vuravura; qa toso.
Ronnie Chang, Mountainview Martintar, Nadi
Yato and Hodge
I WATCHED the Youtube press conference — World Cup: Fiji press conference in Sapporo Japan on the Fiji vs Australia match.
A few things were brought up and one was Reece Hodge’s shoulder charge on Peceli Yato and also if the referee (in my interpretation) was biased.
All I can say is that it has once again reared its ugly head — unconscious bias by referees.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1v7L_sPjrU
That’s my opinion.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Flying Fijians
WE are still in it.
Do not lose hope yet.
Areh go Fiji go.
Wise Muavono, Hedstrom Pl, Balawa, Lautoka
Sugar industry
IN the longer term, does the situation of the 104 former employees of Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) provide an insight of what is to come for this ailing industry?
IT has been shrinking since its early days of introduction in Fiji.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Sugar City or Termite City
Lautoka City should be renamed Termite City.
Ajay Singh, Lautoka
Forgiveness letter
Vina du riki, Dan Urai, (FT 22/09).
Thank you for your eloquence.
Even in truest Vuvale spirit, forgiveness is sometimes easier said than done.
Sometimes, practise what you preach is an almost impossible.
What you do to the least of my brothers; You do unto me, says the LORD our GOD.
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
Compensation issue
I believe it is only fair and just that the Suvavou people get the compensation they seek for the dispossession of their traditional lands during colonial rule ( FT 22/09 p.10).
It’s a very modest compensation claim considering it is prime real estate in contemporary commercial terms.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Game changer
I HEAR that the UN will be issuing a statement soon on climate change that is expected to be a game changer and one that is diametrically opposed to the current rhetorics.
That will certainly be very, very interesting, if true.
Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
American couple
IT’S four months since the death of an American couple on holiday on Denarau.
Why is there still no explanation?
Christopher Griffin, Perth, Australia
RWC in Parliament
I ALMOST mistook the events outside Parliament and the subsequent activities and comments to be the Rugby World Cup.
With all the ducking and weaving now happening, who won’t be entertained.
Two teams with their own support base cheering them on and a referee who has referred the matter to the events committee.
The captain of team government was witnessed by many to have allegedly fouled the versatile utility back of team opposition after he was allegedly provoked.
The events committee ruled on the scrimmage that took place and decided that both players should apologise.
The captain adhered to the ruling while the utility back reserved his right because he felt that he was unfairly treated.
As a consequence the utility back was red-carded and sent off the field.
Most who watched the event unfold in slow motion agree that the captain should have been handed a red card.
With one player down in team opposition, it will be an uphill battle against a formidable side deleted.
Sailosi Naewe, Naduru Rd, Nausori
God is in control
THE latest posting on social media showing a local bus with an iTaukei handwritten swear word at our Prime Minister, written at the back of one of our local buses, must stop.
He has apologised in Parliament and the world has access to his apology speech.
He has copped iTaukei swear words in Sydney and the world has witnessed iTaukei Christians swearing as a group at our Prime Minister.
Despite the swearing and opposition, our PM went on to secure a deal with the Australian Government that would benefit all Fijians.
As Christians, we pray every day and it is sad that Fijian politics is being used by the devil to remove the love of God from the lives of so-called Christians who are demanding an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and swearing their hearts out.
Jesus teaches us Christians to forgive seven times 70 times, which means when we are in Christ forgiveness is part of our daily life.
SODELPA and all Fijians prayed for God’s will to be done in the 2018 General Election.
So FijiFirst Government is God’s will for the nation.
God is still in control, so why not all of us go back to our prayer altars and pray for our Prime Minister and Parliament to do the right thing, instead of trying to take matters in our own hands.
There is a prophecy that the FijiFirst Government will lose its popularity and will not finish its current four-year reign.
If we believe that God has a hand in our Government, then let us continue to trust in Him.
He will raise up leaders and a new government to continue to move us forward, if our current government does not repent and fails.
Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Lakeba St, Samabula, Suva
