Poor performance
It was an unexpected result after the Flying Fijians lost miserably to the Scots. It seemed it was a one-way affair as the Scottish side tamed our side, demolishing them 54-17. We were laced with national and international reps, yet we could not match the opponent. This week, the side faces Uruguay and Fiji must win comfortably before facing the mighty French side that I believe is a very high-quality side. We have our boys playing all over the world and adjusting and jelling quickly should not be a big concern. The Flying Fijians must play as a unit and focus more on tightening their defence, sound discipline and deadly attacks that must be converted into points. Eroni Sau must be given the nod to start. A lot more effort is needed by the boys to improve their performance. Toso Viti and best wishes. Naveen Dutt Wainibokasi
Efficiency at the polls
The voters had little to no difficulty in casting their votes on election day. Probably it was also the first time I was able to safely cast my vote within minutes and this does not happen as we think. It simply reflected the input by FEO. The tremendous efforts by the Fijian Elections Office and the officials on polling day are commendable. The Supervisor of Elections, Mr Saneem, must be sincerely thanked for such high-level organisation and commitment. I believe the majority of our population must have voted without much difficulty in spite of adverse weather that prevailed on polling day. The entire process was very transparent and efficient. It is indeed a reflection of wide awareness and education to the public. Naveen Dutt Wainibokasi
Derelict vessels
I believe that the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has raised a valid concern on this issue and one that needs to be addressed. Perhaps, the appropriate legislation should be reviewed so that domestic and foreign vessels that don’t have the specific insurance cover for the removal of wrecks should not be allowed to enter and berth in any port covered by the relevant port authority. It would seem to me that the number of unremoved derelicts still in our ports is because of a loophole. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour.
Compassionate Alani
Thank you Azeem Ud Dean for your letter (FT 17/10) about the compassionate Alani. She deserves a medal of kindness. In this day and age in Fiji where (stray) dogs have been forgotten, someone shows compassion towards one that had been run over by a vehicle. I posted your letter on my Facebook page, Azeem and a friend who is a fighter for animal rights asked me to find out if the dog survived or not. I only wish we have more people like Ms Alani. I for one would like to thank her personally. Thank you again Azeem for bringing this story to us and The Fiji Times for printing it. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
An important win
Fiji’s all-important clash tomorrow morning will be the curtain raiser to the Fiji vs Uruguay match in Japan next year and will determine how well our boys will fare against France next week. After last week’s agonising loss in Murrayfield, hopes are high for an improved and structured performance against the South American giants. Our discipline, lack of communication, poor defence and the lack of “killer instinct and the drive to hit the opponent” let the Flying Fijians down against the Bravehearts. I’m banking on this week’s team to bury last week’s disappointing loss with a fired-up performance. With a “never-say-die-attitude” Uruguay is a team that plays with pride and this was evident during the 2015 RWC when the boys in blue played their hearts our despite going down to the Flying Fijians 47-15. Uruguay will play a tight game and keep the game in the hands of their forwards while focusing on their set-pieces and tight kicking game. We have a lethal backline and our forwards must set the platform for the backs to thrill the crowd with the remarkable Fijian flair and those incredible off-loads. It has to be bang from the start off and discipline must be maintained during defence. Tuisova and Radradra are expected to pair and form a formidable combination having played together for our 7s team which won this year’s London 7s. I am expecting a huge performance from the likes of Lomani, Volavola, Goneva, Yato, Cavubati, Waqaniburotu, Nakarawa, Ma’afu, Matavesi, Saulo, Kunatani, Mawi, Dolokoto and Veitokani. Our boys will need to work as a unit despite the lack of game and preparation time and play the full 80 minutes. I understand that this is a buildup for next year but it’s high time that we take the Autumn Test matches seriously as it affects our ranking. Hence, my best wishes to the Flying Fijians for the ultimate test against Uruguay. Boys, please play your hearts out and be good ambassadors! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
No shave month
How many of you lost the challenge of not shaving your moustache in the “No shave November” month? I won! Raynav Chand Nakasi
Blackout
A LOCAL TV station was seen discussing the issue of minimum wage with a representative of the Textile, Clothing and Textile Industry Council on Election Day during the media blackout period. Was this conduct proper under the Electoral Act? SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Measured in joy
My horror-scope of poll day surmised, what if the power of a person is measured in joy? What would he or she do to get happier and more influential over the world? Well, who so ever becomes that power today, hope he or she will hold the joy of the people at the top of the list. Manor Lal Patel Drasa Avenue, Lautoka
Poll day
It’s a public holiday no regular bus only the 5.30 bus, chanted the group of youths as they walked to the polling station. Dan Urai Lautoka
