Sai's Sports Watch

Serevi- The new face of American rugby

2011-04-19T13:27:00.000+12:00

Source: The Seattle Times - April 19, 2011

The new face of American rugby is unscarred bronze, has all its teeth, unblemished ears and a straight, unbroken nose.

Trouble is, it's unfamiliar to all but a few Americans outside of a sport that's growing in popularity.

Waisale Serevi, regularly mobbed worldwide as the king of rugby sevens — the scaled-down, amped-up version of the 15-a-side game — generates no more than a grateful thank you when he opens a door for two teenagers burdened with sagging cases of bottled water at a Bellevue strip mall.

No double-take. No autograph request. Not even a glimmer of recognition. Serevi, who late last year moved family members to Seattle from his home nation of Fiji, shrugs.

"When we go to buy things in Fiji, when I go to shops from here to there, it takes nearly two hours to arrive. Stops everyone on the road," he says.

"Australia, New Zealand — rugby places — they always recognize me. It is good. But it is good, too, to just calm down for a while, have time on your own."

The charismatic Serevi, 42, and retired as a player, says he's here for the next five to 10 years as the Pied Piper of rugby in the U.S., with Seattle the hoped-for epicenter of the sport.

Yet he is here not only to boost his sport, but for a fresh start of his own after leaving behind accusations and a parting apology in his homeland.

Backed by area business people, including Chris Prentice, president of Old Puget Sound Beach Rugby Club, Serevi is the draw behind Serevi Nation.

The Seattle-based company was launched in January to spread the gospel of the game in a land where the NFL and youth soccer rule.

Rugby won't compete with those giants. But as a niche sport, it has lots of room to grow here.
The Pied Piper has his pitch down cold.

"Football players, you have not been selected to play for your team?" Serevi asks. "Don't worry. Because rugby is here. Come in. You are most welcome to come and join."

Rugby got a boost of legitimacy over its fast-growth competition, like lacrosse, when it was adopted into the Olympics, along with golf, starting in 2016. Rugby was last played in the Games in 1924, when the U.S. won gold.

"Everyone's dreamed of playing in the Olympics," said Alipate Tuilevuka, Old Puget Sound Beach player, who with teammate Nu'u Punimata play on the Eagles, the U.S. national team from which the Olympic team will be chosen.

"The exposure it will give rugby in the U.S. — it's going to be huge. It's going to bring the sport to another level."

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, rugby is one of the nation's fastest growing sports. More people play than ever before — 1.13 million in 2010, up from 750,000 the year before and nearly doubling the 617,000 in 2007.

Olympic officials picked rugby sevens, not the full version, because it will play well on TV. It's a faster, more wide-open game than traditional 15s with a premium on speed and agility over strength.
t features seven players a side on a regulation rugby field — longer and wider than a football field — and two seven-minute halves, meaning unpredictable results.

"One mistake, and you're gone," said Serevi.

The move to the U.S. represents a fresh start for Serevi, who has been plagued with financial and personal problems. The troubles, which allegedly included excessive drinking, prompted an apology to the people of Fiji last summer and a promise to change his behavior after he was fired from two coaching positions.

Serevi did not fight the firing, admitting he breached the conduct code in his contract.

He does not elaborate on his past, but when asked about a Bible verse he has written in ink on his palm, he said he looks to the words for strength.

"No better place to come to have a good start," Serevi said of America.

"It's the land of opportunity. They always say it. I'm really excited and I always thank God for being with me all the time."

Serevi Rugby Nation debuted earlier this month with the first of two weeklong rugby camps for youths. The company also plans player-development programs for all ages and skill levels, along with coaching camps, and apparel featuring the Serevi logo — his name topped by a royal crown.

More than 40 kids, ages 7 to 18, attended Serevi's first weeklong camp in early April at Robinswood Park in Bellevue.

Campers included Serevi's son, 10-year-old Junior. All three of Serevi's children, including Junior's two teenage sisters, attend public school here. (Serevi said his wife will join the family in the U.S. later.)

At the camp, Serevi jumps in on drills, talking around the whistle in his mouth and encouraging youngsters with his rapid-fire, clipped English. Short and muscular, the 5-foot-7 Serevi looks as fit as in his playing days.

"He's great with kids," said camper Tino Hola, 17, of White Center. "He loves to teach people."

Most of the kids don't know they're playing with a rugby icon, someone who led tiny Fiji to two World Cup sevens titles, and seven World Cup tournaments overall, including three in the traditional full-side version, over 21 years of international play.

Those that do have seen the YouTube clips of Serevi's magician touch on passes, and ability to juke defenders, not just with his speed but his trademark goose-step, a straight-leg fake that left opponents flat-footed.

Even before the company was born, Serevi was laying the groundwork here. Since last year, Serevi has been the sevens coach for the OPSB club, helping it to its fifth national sevens title, the club's first since 1992.

"It would be equal to Michael Jordan coming here to coach rec-league basketball," said the club's Kevin Graham.

The Central Washington University club team made the weekly drive over a mountain pass last winter for the chance to train with Serevi and OPSB coach Evan Haigh. When training was over, they'd pile back into their van and drive 2 ½ hours through the night back to Ellensburg.

That training helped CWU solidify its reputation as the top collegiate club in the Pacific Northwest when it won the NBC-televised Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) qualifier in Las Vegas in February. Central will play in the CRC in June in Philadelphia, trying to topple traditional rugby powers like California and Dartmouth.

"We're kind of like the Boise State of rugby," Pacheco said. "We're crashing the party."
Seattle is more rugby savvy than most cities.

Last month, Microsoft was announced as a sponsor of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the sport's biggest event, scheduled for Sept. 9 to Oct. 23 in New Zealand. The tournament is expected to draw 1.6 million spectators and a TV audience of more than 4 billion people in 200 countries.

Source: The Seattle Times

Rupeni Caucau Greatest Tries - Enjoy

2010-06-17T12:28:00.001+12:00

Rugby CEO ‘can travel'

2010-05-06T14:07:00.000+12:00

Fiji Times - Thursday, May 06, 2010

THE High Court in Suva yesterday ordered the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption to release Keni Dakuidreketi's passport so that he can travel overseas this month.

Justice Salesi Temo presided over the case because Justice Daniel Goundar is on leave.

Dakuidreketi's lawyer, Wylie Clark, applied for FICAC to release his client's passport so that he could travel to Israel and some other countries from May 10-30.

FICAC prosecutor Sanjeewa Dissanyake said he had no objection to the request but asked the court to order that Mr Dakuidreketi surrender his passport to court on or before June 4.

FICAC had asked the court for more time to gather documents in the fraud proceedings against Dakuidreketi and others.

Dakuidreketi, former Native Land Trust Board general manager Kalivati Bakani and NLTB's former manager legal Alanieta Vakatale are charged with conspiracy to defraud the Native Land Trust Board.

They have denied all counts -- one of conspiracy and another of fraudulent conversion. The third count of fraud implicates only Dakuidreketi and Bakani and a fourth count of abuse of office implicates Bakani and Vakatale only.

Dakuidreketi is CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union.

Ten years in a row for ACS

2010-05-02T19:47:00.000+12:00

Fiji Village News - 02 May 2010

It is a feat which no other school has ever achieved, winning the Coca Cola games girls division title for 10 straight years.

Winning has now become tradition for Adi Cakobau School at the Coca Cola Games, but winning for 10 years is another bonus for coach Komera Tuicakau, who said all they have achieved through planning, dedication and perseverance.

Tuicakau said that one of the major reasons for their success is recruiting the right students and seeing that they do not only excel in sports but academically as well.

When asked on whether there would be celebrations for their 10 year reign at the Coke Games, Tuicakau said they will decide later how to celebrate the historic occassion.

Tuicakau, however, does not dismiss the fact that celebrations should be carried out, but they will let the girls enjoy their two weeks break, and see when the new school term begins.

For Suva Grammar is is icing on the cake as the win in the boys division coincides with the school celebrating is Golden Jubilee celebrations in July.

SGS Parents Teachers and Friends Association President Commander Viliame Naupoto earlier indicated that it will be now up to the Board to decide on how they will celebrate the win yesterday.

Looking at the official Medal Tally

In the boys division, Suva Grammar finished of their 2010 Coca Cola games campaign with, 10 Gold, 3 Silver, Marist Brothers came in second with 7 Gold, 8 Silver and 2 bronze, Xavier College from Ba came in third with 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 bronze, followed by Ratu Navula with 3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze.

In the girls division ACS successfully defended their title for the 10th year in a row and walked away with 13 Gold, 6 Silver and 3 bronze, Suva Grammar took second place with 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 1 Bronze, while Napuka secondary from Vanua Levu came third with 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze.

Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics better, tougher

2010-04-29T01:41:00.000+12:00

Fiji Sun - 28 April 2010

A total of 2350 athletes will take part in the Coca-Cola Games on Friday and Saturday.
Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association secretary Vuli Waqa says the number of athletes have decreased although there is an increase in the number of schools participating.
“144 schools will take part but the number of athletes has decreased because many schools are now bringing in students who are medal prospects.”
Waqa said in the past, schools bring in athletes that qualify and FSSAA have asked schools this year to work on the qualifying times.
“We have given some schools time to work on to see that they bring in athletes who are capable of winning a medal.
“Many times in the past, schools lose when they bring many students and return without a medal.”
Waqa said this they have done to try and improve the quality of the games this year as they work on improving the standard of competition.
“The decrease in number of athletes is because schools from Taveuni and Vanuabalavu that usually bring in quite a number of athletes have called off their participation.
“It’s probably because of the hard times we are facing now and the effects of Cyclone Tomas to these schools.”
However, all this has not deterred the organisers of this year’s Coca-Cola Games to make the 2010 event bigger and better.
“The game is going to be much better and tougher especially now that many schools are only bringing in their best athletes.”The games begin on Friday.

Cama Was a Great Boxing Coach

2010-02-28T11:37:00.000+13:00

by Josefa Makaba

Fiji Times - Sunday, February 28, 2010

AS a tribute to his late trainer Sunia Cama, Vancouver-based former middleweight champion Isimeli Lesi said he wants to take young Petero Qica to Canada and give him a chance to make a name for himself on the world scene.

Cama was laid to rest at the Old Suva Cemetery in front of family members, relatives, friends and representatives from the local boxing community.

Lesi held two titles, the South Pacific weliterweight and the South Pacific Junior Middleweight title when he was active in the sport.

Lesi, who was trained by Cama in the late 1980s, said yesterday he was saddened by the loss of his former trainer.

"I'm just so sad. The best way I can repay all the good things that he has done for me is to bring his young fighter Qica to Canada," Lesi said from Vancouver .

"From what I heard before he died Cama was training Qica to follow the footsteps of previous champions who have come out of the famous YMCA Boxing Club.

"I want to continue his quest of taking Qica to the top by bringing him to Canada and giving the best training facilities and to train with some of the top boxing trainers we have here."

Lesi yesterday paid tribute to the hard work done by Cama to produce some of the country's long list of champions.

"During my time, there were a group of champions who were being trained by Cama that included Atama Matauloki, Koroi Vodo, Anthony Naidu, and Kamisese Vaubula.

"I believe Qica was following their footsteps very closely until Cama passed away.

"I will have to contact Qica's father and make arrangements for him to come and train here.

"He will have the chance to make it into the top of his category especially with the class of trainers and facilities we have," Lesi said.

"I want to thank Cama by continuing his work of making Qica a World champion."

Ronil scores 66, holds on to win

2010-02-23T14:46:00.001+13:00

Ronil scores 66, holds on to win Round 4

Fiji Times - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

RONIL Kumar scored 66 to win Round 4 of the Datec Summer Cup at the Fiji Golf Club last Saturday.

Kumar had to fight off some strong challenge from the field to hold on to the lead at the end of competition.

Filimoni Kau took second place on 67 while Baskaran Nair finished on 68.

In the B grade, Steven Hazelman top scored with 65 while John Tevita was second on 67 and T Naqarase finished in third place also on 67

In the C grade, Jai Lal took first spot with a score of 65 to beat Frank Chan also on 65 and Arvind Goundar on 67.

In the women's, competition former national rep Lyndall Fisher took first place on 67 while Dr Sereima Ba was second on 72.

Nearest to the pin was won by Rizwan Hassan on fifth hole and John Crouch on the 12th hole.

Cama was ‘a Tough Opponent'

2010-02-23T11:35:00.000+13:00

Fiji Times - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

FORMER Heavyweight Champion Filimoni Naliva said the passing away of friend and former opponent Sunia Cama was a big loss to the sport in the country.

Cama passed away in his sleep in Suva last week.

Naliva said he was sad to hear the news and he would try to attend his funeral.

The Sorokoba man said even though they were fierce opponents inside the ring, they were best of friends outside.

"We had a very tough fight during the two occasions we fought each other," Naliva said.

"He won one while I also won one."

Naliva said they became even closer when they retired from boxing.

"He always wanted me to visit him in Toorak whenever I came to Suva."

Naliva said he always made an effort to visit Cama at his Toorak Restaurant before he returned to Ba.

"The main topic of our discussion was always about boxing.

"He was a kind and caring person," Naliva said.

"I will miss him and my trips to Suva will not be the same from now on because he is no longer here.

"I want to send his wife and their kids my deepest sympathy during this very sad moment.

"When I heard of his passing we organised a small grog session in the village just to talk about this very good man," Naliva said.

Sunia Cama dies in Suva

Saturday, February 20, 2010

http://www.indianweekender.co.nz

Sunia Cama, former Fiji heavyweight boxing champion and one of the country's top trainers, died in Suva on Friday morning (Feb 19).

Cama died in his sleep at around 6am inside his car which was parked on the pavement outside his Toorak restaurant.

The 67-year-old first appeared onto the boxing scene when he won the Fiji light heavyweight title in 1969 and went on to become the Fiji heavyweight champion in the 1970s.

He fought the likes of Tongan's Fonomanu Sekona, Mani Vaka, the late Marika Naivalu, Vuniivi Nadumu, Samuela Vocea, Koli Vailea, Niko Degei, Johnny Gorkom, Den Compain and Australian Quentin Waters.

He was the only Fijian boxer to have beaten tough Samoan heavyweight Fossie Schmidt.

Cama was also known to have trained some of the best boxers in Fiji, including Anthony Naidu, Isimeli Lesi, Koroi Vodo, Atama Matauloki, Sunia Cama Junior, uprising Petero Qica Junior.

Well known for his rigid discipline programmes, most of his fighters went on to become champions.

Ardent Auckland boxing enthusiast Ahmed Khan, of Pakuranga, said Fiji had lost a huge boxing identity.

“He was a huge man inside the ring and also made his presence felt outside of boxing,” Khan told the Indian Weekender.

His cousin Petero Qica Senior, who was with Cama before he passed away, said the former champion died peacefully without any signs of pain.

"After we came back from training on Thurday night, he was at his usual behaivour, talking and joking with the boys," Qica told the Fiji Times.

Qica said Cama preferred to sleep in his car because of the humid weather while the rest of the boys were seated outside the restaurant.

"Around 3am he woke up to check the daily takings from the restaurtant before he went back to the car.

"After six in the morning, we heard he had a problem with his breathing."

Qica said Cama had collapsed during training at the YMCA on Tuesday.

"But after we attended to him, na qase told us he was all right.

Qica said Cama's untimely death brought the Toorak community together.

Wife Seini Makosoi said Indian neighours and friends all alike came into the shop enquiring about the news.

He is survived by his wife and 12 children.

Sunia Cama

Sunia Cama passes away

19 February 2010

Former heavyweight boxer and businessman of Fiji, Sunia Cama passed away this morning.

69 year old Cama was a great boxer of his time and did not only hold the heavyweight title but was also the champion in the Light Heavyweight division.

Cama also fought overseas.

His cousin Alipate Korovou who is also a former top boxer says Cama's death is a big loss to boxing in Fiji and he will be sorely missed by many boxing fans and boxers, as he was still taking interest in boxing and training the amateur boxers.

Cama was also the corner man for Joy Ali, when he fought Samoa's Faimasasa Tavui and Joseph Kwadjo.

During the early 1970s, he trained a group of amateur fighters who all later became champions and top boxers in the region, and this includes Sakaraia Ve, Jo Keresi, Timoci Belo and Inoke Cakautini.

Cama whose funeral details will be released later, is survived by his wife and 12 children.

Fiji's boxing legend dies

Friday, February 19, 2010

Former heavyweight champion and one of the country's top boxing trainers Sunia Cama has passed away at his Toorak home – early this morning.

Back in the mid 70s he was the heavyweight boxing champion of Fiji. Everybody who knew him and was dubbed the king of the ring in an era when Fiji dominated the South Pacific in boxing.

Cama was the drawcard when and wherever he fought because not only was the champion but his prowess and was a brute of a man , had no mercy for of his opponents.

Many people went to watch boxing then, to watch stylish and classy fighters like Leweni Waqa, Filimoni Naliva, Vuniivi Nadumu and Nemani Waka, to name a few.

Cama now 65, has contributed a lot to boxing.

Like many other sporting oldies, he lives a quiet place and runs a business in Suva Cama's Cafe. The place that defied any rules, decrees, laws, coups or whatever anyone could think of trying to enforce in Fiji!

Sunia Cama's cafe NEVER closed, (although the front entrance was locked at night), --you could always drop by through the back entrance for a late night curry and a beer, then pick up a carton fiji bitter on the way to after-parties..! around Suva :-)

Cama hails from the village of Nasau,from the island of Moce in Lau and maternal blood links from Yadrana the village where boxing was their only sport and dominates known boxers like undefeated former heavyweight champion - Atama Matauloki.

To him boxing became a career and even though it did not pay well, he was earning money from the ring.

He fought many known boxers and he fought about 70 fights but has lost count of the year.

Cama hung his gloves in 1983 after his last fight against Niko Degei.

He survived by his wife Seini and 12 children.

NZ sevens eyes Speight

2010-02-22T18:10:00.000+13:00

Petero Qauqau

Fiji Times - Monday, February 22, 2010

FORMER Fiji under-19 rugby rep Henry Speight is the latest Fijian of interest for Gordon Tietjens.

It is likely that Speight will be in the Kiwi sevens line-up as early as next year.

The former Queen Victoria School student has been impressive on the New Zealand sevens scene, and recently helped his Samurai club take out the Las Vegas Invitational Club Sevens with exceptional kicking skills last Thursday and Friday, beating Fijian club Uprising 44-7 in their final at the Sam Boyd grounds in the Sin City before the USA Las Vegas Sevens.

The Wainibuka lad who caught the attention of many has been on a three-year stand-down period and will be eligible for New Zealand this November.

"He becomes eligible next year and we are certainly interested in him," Tietjens said.

"He'll be available and he could be selected if he's playing well enough."

The Samurai club that Speight played for in Vegas was guided in by 2008 New Zealand sevens rep Chad Tuoro and managed by Barry Gallagher.

Gallagher was full of praise for the former Victorian and regarded him as a talented all round player with exceptional kicking skills.

"We watched him play for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup and he has played very well," Gallagher said.

"I would rank him up there with the internationals and he showed his class in the semis against the Pacific West Coast Grizzlies and in the final against Uprising."

Meanwhile Speight is keeping his options open.

"I haven't made the choice yet but I will decide when the time comes," he said.

Speight continues to play for his Hamilton Old Boys club and his part time studies at Waikato University.

Fiji US Rugby 7s Fans Await Reps

2010-02-10T20:32:00.000+13:00

Fiji Sun - 10 February 2010

Money, geographical location and time are but of little concern for the Fijian community in the United States.

They are preparing to make their way to the home of one of the world’s entertainment city, Las Vegas to meet up and cheer for the Digicel Fiji 7s gladiators in the US leg of the IRB 7s Series this weekend.

As the saying goes, ‘Sports conquers all’, it is not only the indigenous Fijians who are eagerly awaiting the event but the Chinese, Indian and Islanders who have ties to Fiji have submitted their contribution to be part of the trip.

Buses and mini vans have been organized to transport the Fijian community with their luggage which consists largely of costumes, banners, flags and t-shirts bearing the Fiji flag.

To Redwood City resident and Ono-I-Lau native Ateca Cavu-Barini, the wait is almost over. For the proud Fijian, to support her home country and cheer them to another win in Las Vegas is her ultimate goal - a chance she would not miss for the world.

Speaking from her home which is 25 minutes drive from San Francisco and a 10-hour drive by bus from Las Vegas, Cavu-Barini said preparation and plans for the trip begun last year.

“The wait is almost over. Everyone is very excited and talking about the trip and cannot wait to be there,” said Cavu-Barini. “This is our home team and they deserve the best. We want to make sure the boys and the team management gets the maximum support they can possibly get during their stay. We want to make them feel as comfortable as possible to ensure they do not feel alienated here. This is our duty to Fiji.”

“After the Wellington win, everyone is very excited to go. Transportation has been arranged via bus and plane. And we have costumes, flags, banners and T-Shirts which have been printed to be taken down to the games venue. The majority of the Fijian community resides in and around the Great Bay Area so it has been possible to keep in touch. I know for a fact that there are also busloads of supporters to come from the other areas in the States. Everyone is really looking forward to this. We will leave here Friday morning and arrive in the early hours of Saturday.”

Communication within the Fijian community she said has been made possible via the social website, Facebook and Matavuvale.com.

Nearer My God to Thee

2010-02-09T23:54:00.000+13:00

Fiji Sun - 9 February 2010

A big thank you to England, Samoa, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Kenya and the rest of the teams.

Without you the games wouldn’t have been so fantastic, you gave us your best.

You lifted your game and we had to lift ours to win the Wellington Sevens.

We wondered if we would ever top the table again.

Kenya is the most improved team and what an improvement.

We had to revisit our drawing board many times trying to find the formula that comes so easy for the great Gordon Tietjens.

We changed our style, we experimented, we tested –– we lost and we were ridiculed by our own people.

Our fall from the top meant that you other teams had brand new drawing boards, brand new tricks, faster and bigger men.

You did everything to topple us and topple you did.

Even the mighty New Zealanders were cut down.

We did everything, even calling on god to come down and be part of the team.

Back home we debated the boys’ actions when they gestured skyward in a sign of religious commitment when they scored a try –– and they were ridiculed.

But in that moment of scoring a try what euphoria and ecstasy is felt.

With adrenalin pumping an athlete can do anything.

I read somewhere about a professor who asked his theology class, “When is man nearest to god?”

All kinds of answers were given.

The professor shook his head each time.

One even said, “When we go to church and confess our sins.”

The professor shook his head.

The students were stunned, what other answer is possible and waited for the professor’s answer.

“When we are in ecstasy” he said.

We often call on god at that moment. He could be true. I have no answer.

I wonder if that explains the religious gestures, because scoring a try is exhilarating, especially when you know there are cameras around.

But I digress.

We won in Wellington,

Fiji is united.

Differences are forgotten.

We will do it again next week but this time hope and expectations will be higher.

The grog will be sweeter.

We have seen the boys play their hearts out.

They tackled like men possessed and ran like greased lightning.

Emosi Vucago is a tough guy. Vinaka Emosi.

One of my mates said, “Boy that guy is tough.”

Another said, “If he had to be eaten it would only be after a thousand hours of boiling.”

But thank you Tanivula, keep the combination.

Fiji is backing you, but you know what, make no promises because people can be very cruel when we lose, especially when promises are made.

Talk only after the game.

And my grog team was humbled when you had tears in your eyes after we beat Samoa.

You showed no emotion during the game, you are indeed one cool dude.

Oh, by the way, one of my mates asks if Emosi Vucago could give William Ryder some of his destructive fearlessness.

If he can, Ryder will become a real force to be reckoned with, in line with the great Jonah Lomu or even better.

Anyway, good luck boys and take care.

Komo Star Kolinisau Fits Well at Rover

2010-02-09T23:52:00.000+13:00

Fiji Sun - 9 February - 2010

When young Osea Kolinisau was selected to be the rover in the Digicel National sevens side, many people doubted his abilities.

However, only one man knew that he had been longing for that position, his dad Pastor Tuikoro Kolinisau.

Pastor Kolinisau revealed that his son came to him when the team was in camp and asked that he pray that he be given the position.

“The only thing I told him was to give it his best shot because what people didn’t know was that Osea was selected for the rover’s position after the Marist 7s two years back.”

That was when young Kolinisau was playing for their church club.

When the opportunity came up before the Wellington tournament after Nasoni Roko and Lepani Nabuliwaqa were ruled out due to injury, His dad told him that his time has arrived.

“I told him, now is the opportunity for you to play at rover and you need to take it.”

Pastor Kolinisau said his son always had the never give up attitude and this helped him to talk his son into keeping a positive mindset that he was the best in that position.

“I told him, if you take it no matter what the people say, know that you are the best, take the field and prove it to everyone.”

His dad’s word was one thing that lingered in the Komo flyer’s heart what he achieved did not come as a surprise to his dad.

Pastor Kolinisau is proud of what his son was able to show and reveals why Osea never forgets to point to the skies when he scores a try.

“I told him that his talent was God-given and he needs to acknowledge God because when he goes out into the world to play, he is a representative of God and his Kingdom.”

Like any loving parent to his son, Pastor Kolinisau has heard a lot of what people have said about his son especially when he was given the rover’s position.

“I only wish people will go and watch him when he trains, he has the never give up attitude and always wants to be first in everything and Tanivula knows that.”

Of all his six kids, Pastor Tui as he is affectionately known said Osea was the active one since he was a child.

He revealed that from home, Osea never wants to be second best in anything and his dad believes that this is the virtue that has taken him to the level he is in today.

“But I always tell him that sometimes some people will be the best and he needs to accept it if he knows he gave his best.”

“I told him this so that he won’t be disappointed when others vouch to be the better than him.”

“Osea is self motivated, he does not need people to push him to do things and he keeps to any programme given to him.”

Before Kolinisau left for Wellington he told his dad that he now feels comfortable after going through the sevens circuit last year.

“I told him that he needs to make good use of the development FRU has done and it was his time to stand up and show his worth.”

Pastor Tui knew in his heart that this was the season for the National Sevens side which he told them while they were at camp in Sigatoka during the New Year.

“I told them there was a season for everything and it was up to them to believe it and tune themselves up mentally.”

But no matter what Pastor Tui believes in, his wife, Osea’s mother always feels reluctant to watch his son on the field of play.

Knowing this, Osea told his mum to watch all their games because they were going to win in Wellington and he will be the top try-scorer in the tournament.

So for the man behind Osea’s achievement, he knew that once Osea had that in mind, it was possible for him to reach his goal.

Fiji Winning 7s In Top Gear

2010-02-08T15:31:00.000+13:00

Fiji Sun - 8 February 2010

The spectacular rugby display of the flamboyant Fiji 7s team at the Wellington 7s over the weekend signaled the Emosi Vugaco captained team is in top gear.

The Digicel sponsored national 7s team has been consistent in their performance during the last three IRB 7s tournaments and the boys are expected to move up another notch this weekend according to their mentor Iliesa Tanivula.

Fiji has been consistent during the last three tournaments, they lost in the semi- final at Dubai, lost in the final of the George 7s before winning the Wellington in their third IRB 7s tournaments attempt this season.

And with the Las Vegas 7s title up for grab this weekend the national 7s players will be hitting top gear as they strive to add their name as the first winners of the newly introduced Las Vegas 7s tournament.

Tanivula said the boys must again move up a notch this weekend as all teams would be gunning for the top award.

“We need to move up a notch in Las Vegas,” he said.

“I think the boys know what is expected of them and we will do our best in the next tournament.”

Another improvement seen on this team was that none of the players have been cautioned with either yellow or red card during the last three tournaments which showed the discipline of the players.

“Discipline was one huge issue stressed to the boys to be mindful of,” Tanivula said.

“If a player is sent on a sin bin then the team will have to shoulder extra burdened especially in defence situations.

“I’m pleased with the boys on how they responded well to their discipline which I think is a plus for us.

“All we need to do is to maintain discipline,” he added.

Meanwhile, the national 7s team was hosted by the Fijian community in Wellington after the thanksgiving church service yesterday afternoon.

Team manager Alifereti Malo said the support they had in Wellington has been tremendous.

The team leaves Wellington this afternoon for Las Vegas.

Pastor to say the final words

2010-02-05T09:10:00.000+13:00


Fiji Sun News - 05 February 2010

The Digicel national rugby sevens management has invited All Nations Church president Pastor Laisiasa Ratabacaca to bless the players today before they start their campaign in Wellington.

National rugby sevens coach Iliesa Tanivula yesterday said their two months of hard training has now come to an end.

And he is hoping that God’s message is going to inspire his players to lay their bodies on the line and win the tournament.

Tanivula added that getting God’s blessing would get the players focused on the mammoth task that is ahead of them.

“To be psyched up by a pastor during the jersey presentation tomorrow morning (today) will be overwhelming especially after going through two months of vigorous training back at home,” he said.

“The boys have done their part well at training and the pastor’s inspirational message will help motivate them to bring out the best and be able to deliver the goods for our nation.

“The time has come for these boys to justify their selection and I’m confident they will prosper if they do the right things right in the field of play.”

National sevens skipper Vucago said they are prepared physically, mentally and the message from Pastor Ratabacaca is what they need before they go into the battle field.

Vucago said he is ready to best utilise his God given talent and to lead by example.

“This team is all set to do Fiji proud and the motivating message from Pastor Ratabacaca will surely direct us to our destiny.

“We have spent the last two months training and to get hear God’s message from Pastor Ratabacaca will inspire us to deliver the best for Fiji.

“We know what to do to make Fiji happy and the boys are ready to give their all,” he said.

Manager Alifereti Malo said the boys are ready to battle and the onus is on them to show their true fighting spirit and what Fijians are renowned for in the abbreviated code.

“Receiving their rugby battle gear from Pastor Ratabacaca will inspire the boys to do all it takes to win the tournament,” Malo continued.

“The onus is now on the boys to play with what the pastor said and most importantly to fly the Fiji flag at the highest during the tournament,” he added.

Fiji will play Scotland in their first game today at 2.28pm before facing Waisale Serevi’s PNG team at 5.24 then facing Australia in their last pool game at 9.34pm.

Wellington 7s kicks off today

2010-02-05T09:04:00.000+13:00

William Ryder

Fijivillage News - 5 February 2010

The wait is now over as the second leg of the IRB World 7s series and the first 7s tournament of 2010, the New Zealand International 7s in Wellington, starts today.

All the 16 teams in the tournament have named their teams and are now ready for the two day event.

The New Zealand International 7s is rated as one of the best in the IRB World 7s Series.

Rugby fans around the world will be cheering for their teams today and will be ecstatic to see their sides make it to the Cup quarterfinals, even going on to win the tournament tomorrow evening.

Rugby pundits have said that five teams - New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, England and South Africa stand a very good chance of winning the tournament this weekend, although the rest of the teams cannot be ruled out.

Hosts New Zealand is short-priced favorites at $2.50 to win the tournament, ahead of England at $5.50.

Both Fiji and Samoa are on $6-odds with South Africa on $7.

Meanwhile, New Zealand 7's General Manager Steve Walter said that although the DJ Forbes captained side have won the past two IRB 7's tournaments, in Dubai and George, this weekend will not be a foregone conclusion.

There is an audio file attached to this story. Please loginto listen.

For the defending IRB 7's series champions, South Africa after losing to Fiji in Dubai and George in the quarter finals they know that it will be an uphill battle in Wellington.

Coach Paul Treu predicts New Zealand and Fiji as the favorites to win the New Zealand 7's title.

Fiji 7's Coach Iliesa Tanivula has played his cards close to his chest and has not revealed much about his game plan.

This weekend in Wellington former Fiji 7s Coach Waisale Serevi must do the unthinkable: coach a side to go out and play against his beloved Fiji.

The two-time Rugby World Cup 7s winning captain, who also coached Fiji to their sole World Series title, will be trying to inspire the Puk Puks of Papua New Guinea to success against some of his former team-mates.

The New Zealand 7's will start at 1pm today with the opening match between Samoa playing France.

Fiji's opening pool match will be against Scotland at 2.28pm today. Fiji 7s team to play Scotland in the opening match will be - Seremaia Burotu, Pio Tuwai and Watisoni Votu in the forwards, with captain Emosi Vucago, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Osea Kolinisau and Waisale Beci in the backs.

Fiji then plays Papua New Guinea at 5:24pm with their last match will be against Australia at 9:34pm.

Stay tuned as we'll bring you the latest results and interviews on the New Zealand 7s tournament starting at 1pm.

Also join our sister radio station Viti-FM for the extensive coverage on the tournament with live interviews, talkbacks and analysis after all Fiji's games.

Pio to dazzle Kiwi crowd

2010-02-03T13:42:00.000+13:00

Reports By Indra Singh In Wellington

Fiji Times - Wednesday, February 03, 2010

THERE are two major reasons for forward Pio Tuwai to play to is best potential at the Wellington 7s this week.

Memories are still fresh for the Ba man, who was to have made his debut in the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series in Wellington last year.

However, a back injury sustained at the airport on the way to Wellington saw the impressive forward miss out and had to wait for another week to make his Fiji debut, which was in San Diego.

Apart from that, Tuwai recently got married to Irinieta Sadria, but has not had much time to be with his wife, as he has been preparing for Wellington and Las Vegas.

But Tuwai said he was thankful to his wife for the support she had given him in the build-up to the tournament.

"I am ready and want to play as soon as possible in this tournament," Tuwai told Times Sport in Wellington yesterday.

"I feel like we have prepared fully and now it is time to bring the results."

Named the Player-of-the-Tournament in George, South Africa in December, Tuwai said he would not have been able to do it without the support of Sadria and his family.

"I want to thank my wife for the support she has given me and also my family," he said.

The son of former national rep Gabirieli Naborisi, Tuwai said they had learnt from the mistakes committed in Dubai and George at the start of the 2009/2010 series and had worked hard in rectifying the errors.

"We have worked on our game plan and yes we can do it," Tuwai quipped.

"We have learnt from our mistakes and now it is time to make it right.

"Just ask the people back at home to keep on supporting us and pray for us."

Tuwai's line-out wins and contesting kick-offs have been a major asset for coach Iliesa Tanivula.

Fiji 7s Coach Tanivula Works on the Positives

2010-02-03T13:18:00.000+13:00

Reports By Indra Singh In Wellington

Fiji Times - Wednesday, February 03, 2010

FIJI sevens coach Iliesa Tanivula says they have controlled what they can within the team environment but if there was negativity from outside, they would not let come into their side.

There have been critics who have always given their two-cent worth whenever the team is about to or has played.

There have been many times when Tanivula and his brigade are thrown the gauntlet by many critics. However, while positive criticism is taken on board, they did not want any negativity to filter into the team.

He said the patience and support of the nation will help the side go a long way at the Wellington 7s from Friday. In the past the mad rugby public has not spared the team, which has not performed or written them off even before the side has played.

"We try to keep the negatives out from the team environment but these players are only humans and they know what is happening around them," Tanivula said.

"Sometimes it does get to them but we try our best to shut this out and control what we can.

"This is a team for Fiji and the players know they have a burden on their shoulders as they are representing Fiji but they can't do it alone as they need the full support of the people." He said the support at Wellington this weekend from the Fijian fans would be of a great help as this boosted the players.

There is expected to be an influx of Fiji fans into the Westpac Stadium.

The right decision on CIBI

2010-01-05T21:03:00.000+13:00

www.fijitimes.com - Tuesday, January 05, 2010

THE Fiji Rugby Football Union has done the right thing by insisting that our national teams must perform the cibi before each Test.

This challenge –– laid down for nearly 100 years by scores of dedicated players –– has always been part of our culture and what makes Fiji rugby so unique.

In November this newspaper called for the return of the cibi after it was so unceremoniously dropped on the Northern Hemisphere tour.

There were some fans who claimed that if the national side performed the cibi, the results in the matches against Scotland and Ireland would have been vastly different.

Closer analysis of the matches shows, however, that it would have taken much more than a 100-year-old cultural item for Fiji to win the Tests at Murrayfield and Landsdowne Road.

For while the cibi is a source of national pride and a rallying point for the team, there is no guarantee of victory on the pitch when it is performed.

Victory will come from hard work during the off-season, sessions at the gymnasium, hours of ball work and mental fortitude.

But when the cibi is not performed, when our team does not line up opposite the opposition and challenge them to war, a little something is missing from the Test.

At the time of the Northern Hemisphere tour, national coach Samu Domoni was held responsible for the move which raised the ire of thousands of fans at home and abroad.

It was our contention that Domoni had no right to decide whether the team should perform the challenge before Test matches.

We also argued that Domoni's religious beliefs should not be allowed to influence the team's actions. That the coach has strong religious beliefs is not bad. And there is no harm in a team praying together each day before taking to the gymnasium or the training fields.

Typically, rugby players prepare for a Test match by maximising fitness, honing their skills and preparing mentally for the opposition.

For a Fiji rugby team, spiritual strength is just as important and adds a new dimension to the psychology of the sport. This does not allow a coach to harangue a member of the team for sleeping with a woman in the side's hotel before forcing the player to make a confession of his "sins" while other players watch in stunned disbelief.

Domoni's religious beliefs –– commendable as they are –– are a private matter between him and his God.

The cibi, however, is a matter between the people of Fiji and the side which represents all of us on the rugby paddock.

Remember that this is our challenge, our rallying point, our catch-cry each time the national side takes the field.

Now that the FRU has brought the cibi back, let us all learn the words and actions and be prepared to join in –– albeit from the sidelines –– the next time the cibi is performed.

Keni is new FRU CEO

2010-01-02T23:14:00.000+13:00

AMIT RAJ

www.fijitimes.com - Saturday, January 02, 2010

IT was an unanimous decision by the Fiji Rugby Union board to appoint Keni Dakuidreketi as the new chief executive, says chairman Bill Gavoka.

Dakuidreketi was given the nod following a board meeting on Wednesday night.

"We have less than two years to the world cup and really the concern is to make sure FRU affairs are in a steady set of hands," Gavoka said.

"Keni has been acting in that capacity for the whole of 2009 and he's the best set of hands to take us forward."

Gavoka agrees with Army Commander Frank Bainimarama that the FRU board is incomplete without a nominee from the government.

He said he would pursue the issue further in the New Year.

"Primarily there should be nine board members and one of it is the government's nominee," Gavoka said.

"But for the last two-three years, we haven't had any representative from the government.

"I'm trying to look into that and ensure a nomine comes in. When dealing with the government, FRU normally goes through Ministry of Sports.

"I'd welcome a ninth board member because we need six to have a quorum.

"I need nine as it will offer me a greater sense of comfort because board members travel a lot and are not always available for meetings," he said.

"It's not a deliberate decision on our part to keep the Prime Minister's nominee out."

Regarding Dakuidreketi's pending court cases over charges relating to alleged abuse of office and fraud, Gavoka said the FRU board was 'pretty firm' on its stand on the issue.

"Let's work within the framework of the law. The system does enable someone to continue to attend to his duties while still being engaged with FICAC," he said

Religious rugby

2009-11-30T13:21:00.001+13:00

Paula Tagivetaua

www.fijitimes.com - Monday, November 30, 2009

THE Fiji rugby tour that ended yesterday with a 29-18 win over Romania is one I will not want to talk about much.

For a moment, I thought it was Fiji-Ireland again.

I had just woken up and saw the green of the Romanians and the clock showing 3.30am but I forgot Fiji was on daylight saving. I was in time to see Goneva score and heard Satish say "Fiji 7, Romania 8".

I watched the game and it was like the final of the Catholic rugby tournament I had watched nine hours earlier at the stadium between Natovi and Vanuakula.

I mean, the last tour match of the Flying Fijians seemed so ordinary to me. Fiji won at last on tour but it was hardly a consolation. You do not gain consolation from beating a team way below you in the ranking.

Someone said last week the tour was a disaster and I agree to a certain degree, especially the way things were planned.

I class it as another folly by Rugby House in its continued anomaly of management debacles. Several things were exposed on tour and one was the lackadaisical way FRU has treated its rugby development.

There was a lot of talk the past week about mixing rugby with religion and how it has made Fijian players soft.

I do not see the big hits and tackles coming now - they are patting the opposition more on the back. That is a side-effect of playing religious rugby.

I have always said do not mix rugby and religion because it is like mixing oil and water.

There is nothing wrong with saying a prayer after a game to thank the Lord for allowing you and others to play and come out alive.

But there is a difference when you impose your religious beliefs to change the norm and say the cibi is a pagan practice that should be banned. It might be against their belief but the cibi has always been traditionally Fijian rugby and never has it been linked to any religion.

What is happening now must be put to an end because it is making a ridicule and mockery of everything Fijian about rugby. In the space of three weeks, I watched the All Blacks, Wallabies, the Springboks, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, France and Romania and saw how structured their rugby is compared to the shambles Fiji rugby is in.

These teams are in the top eight in the world, not Romania of course, and just two years ago, Fiji was up there with them, but not anymore -- like falling from grace.

The other day, the FRU chief did the absurd thing by blaming Ilivasi for Fiji's loss to Scotland and Ireland. He said Ilivasi did not do his work as coach to develop Fiji's frontrow.

What a thing to say. They should have worked in tandem for the good of Fiji rugby. What is happening in Fiji rugby is affecting not only Fijians in Fiji.

Saimoni Waibuta wrote from Kobe City in Japan last week, saying he agreed with me and said he was against mixing rugby with religion.

A former club mate, Manasa Baravilala, mailed me and former FRU chief Bosco and said: "Gangs, sa sega sara ga ni macala na ka e yaco tiko mai Rugby House".

"I feel for the boys and the Fiji rugby fans. We need someone who is ethical and walks with integrity to clean out the 'bull' emanating from there.

"We hold the same view that the cibi belongs to the Fiji Rugby Union and the people of Fiji. No individual or player has the mandate to change what has been an integral part of our rugby history. I lay the blame on Bill and Keni for not defending this position and for allowing it to happen.

"For the same reason that our logo is part of our jersey, no individual can say he will not wear it because it has a coconut tree.

"That person, in my humble view, has lost the privilege of donning the Fiji jersey and representing Fiji.

"There are some very skewed theology interpretations being preached by some of the new Christian new-age religions in Fiji and the cibi is one of them.

"It has no biblical basis, just as we perform the meke as part of our cultural heritage."

Gangs went to say that some years ago, "Tonga coup'd their rugby house and the IRB stood idle, watched and did not intervene. That should happen here (via Govt) and the threat of IRB intervention that's being used to barricade Rugby House from the outside world is a bit far fetched -- especially from the FRU hierarchy who have not tasted blood, sweat and tears on the battlefield." Very strong words from a man who played the game, knows his rugby and everything Fijian about it. I don't think people who mix rugby with their belief realise or know that there is little love lost in rugby

Even in a rugby tournament run by the Catholic Church -- for the Bishop Foley Cup -- there has been brawls, abusive language, arguments and unChristian behaviour, but they play the game as it should be played -- hard and brutal.

But alas, the Bishop Foley Cup has not been played for some time now, I just realised on Saturday.

It is a shame, especially for a tournament that has been played for since 1954, when Naililili was the first winner of the Bishop Foley Cup.

When I went to watch, I was told it was just only for parishes in the Central-Eastern zone and was called the St John the Apostle sports tournament, for 12 parishes from Natovi to Namosi. Lomary was absent.

Ovalau said it had prepared to defend the Bishop Foley but after things went wrong with the organisation, some of their players went to play in a sevens tournament. The other eastern parishes decided to go ahead and not let their preparation go to waste.

Natovi beat Vanuakula 13-10 in the cup final after coming from an extraordinary semi-final against Sacred Heart parish of Suva.

Natovi and Suva were locked nil-all at fulltime and went into extra time.

Then they went into sudden death but were still locked nil-all. They went to kicks at goal, as the rules stated, with five kickers from each side but were locked 6-6.

Then they resorted to the toss of a coin by a policeman and the Natovi captain called "tails" and won.

The two outstanding players, according to my former teacher Lepani Rokoua, were young Vanuakula first-five Virimi Vakatawa and Naililili wing Amato Kakaivonu.

Vakatawa was a member of the Fiji Under-19 schools side which won the FORU tournament final in Samoa this year where he was named player of the tournament.

The 17-year-old Form Four student of Naitasiri Secondary School kicked two penalties in the final but the gutsy and disciplined Natovi pack scored two tries.

The Naluwai lad is one of the players groomed by former Naitasiri and Fiji Under-19 coach Master Eroni Vereivalu who coached Vanuakula.

Kakaivonu helped Naililili win the bowl 8-0 against Namosi I with a breathtaking 70m dash along the embankment side to score. The Rewa wing was clearly the fastest player at the tournament.

Raiwaqa's St Pius X parish scooped the overall winner's title for the most points -- they reached the rugby semi-finals and won the men and women's volleyball and the netball final. St Agnes parish of Samabula beat Namosi II to win the plate.

And what about the All Blacks? Too easy in the end against the French, 39-12.

This week, I will cheer for Fiji in Dubai.

Cheers.

Fiji Beats Romania

2009-11-30T12:40:00.000+13:00

Game plan: Ella wants to stay

Matelita Ragogo In London
www.fijitimes.com - Monday, November 30, 2009

FIJI head coach Glen Ella wants to continue working with the current brood of players and potential national reps for the 2011 World Cup.

Ella said to continue would mean effective monitoring and evaluation of the players and being able to avoid disrupting the flow of programs, an inevitability everytime there was a new coach.

Ella insists he enjoys working with Fijians because they already possess factors that one can never teach, that it is just a matter of "getting to the next level".

"I've always admired Fijian rugby for what they've done, especially what they've done with so little resources," he said.

"They are great athletes and they are good guys as well, we just have to try and get them to the next level and what you need with these is continuity."

"In rugby, in this professional era, there are always opportunities out there so the sooner we can tie up things, if Fiji rugby wants, it's entirely up to them but I am happy to commit myself to them ... yes, they would be my first preference.

"Working for Fiji, you are under no illusion of the challenges but you'd rather work with people who have the ability."

Since his stint with the Fijians working with former coach Ilivasi Tabua in 2008 Ella has only been able to do so on an "on and off" basis, admitting that such coaching was disruptive and not the best way to do things.

With continuity in training structure and programs, Ella said developing players' strength and working at winning line-outs would be his priority.

"We need to be able to win our own balls ... Fijians need not be more aggressive in their games, they're good-natured people but when they get on the rugby field, we need to just get them into a different mode, they need to be more aggressive it's very much a mental thing.

"They are very shy people; we're trying to get more words out of them and also develop them into decision-making players so they instigate things on the field.

"Body strength is important and does a lot to mental preparedness once you're stronger, a little more comfortable in that when you're faster, stronger and better, you feel you can do anything and that helps a lot.

"In the next 18 months before the next World Cup, we've got time to do that, to make the necessary increases in strength and conditioning to be able to compete. There is hope yet for us.

"It's easy to be critical but if you haven't got any money, you haven't got any money.

"Fiji has done very well with whatever resources they have and they had to rely on their natural ability to get to the levels they need to but now, the way professional rugby has gone, it's tough."

Fiji Rugby Union chairman Bill Gavoka said Ella's engagement for now was on this tour with Sam Domoni as an understudy.

He said a decision would be made once the Europe tour ended.

He did not elaborate.

Coach Ella satisfied, praises locals Boko, Nakarawa, Satala

Monday, November 30, 2009

Flying Fijians coach Glenn Ella was happy with his young side's performance yesterday.

"We played with flair, turned it on, matched our opposition and scored some entertaining tries," Ella said.

When asked, which players stood out on tour, Ella replied, "I've been really impressed with Asaeli Boko and Leone Nakarawa. I also thought Apolosi Satala was fantastic today and gave an inspirational performance."

Boko and Nakarawa are local-based players with Boko a member of Tau and Nakarawa with the Army. "We now have a lot of work to do. The lineout and breakdown are areas where we need to improve on," Ella said.

Captain Satala was also proud of his squad's performance. Satala added, "The Romanians were a tough side and very physical. They frightened us in the first half by taking the lead but our typical running rugby got us home in the end".

"To be honest, I didn't know much about the Romanians coming into this game. I knew they were going to be hard to beat at home. I'm really proud of the way the boys dug deep today, it was a gallant effort. We have all bonded really well together on tour and today we played for pride, country and religion."

Flying Fijians debutant and former Fiji Bati, Semi Tadulala had this to say, "I praise God for giving me the opportunity to represent my country in both codes. It's a miracle. I've still got a lot to learn but it's an honour and a privilege to play international rugby for Fiji".

Will this be the first of many appearances for the Gloucester signing to don the Flying Fijians jersey?

"If I get selected I'll be really happy. There is lot of competition for positions leading up to the Rugby World Cup but that's my aim. I will give plenty of dedication and sacrifice to get there," Tadulala added.

The Flying Fijians will arrive in Fiji at 9.30am, Wednesday

Bring back Cibi President tells 7s warriors

2009-11-25T00:46:00.000+13:00

www.fijilive.com - November 24, 2009

The President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has told the Fiji 7s team to perform the traditional war dance, the cibi in their opening 2009/10 IRB World 7s Series at Dubai and George next month.

In receiving the teams i tatau at Government House last weekend Ratu Epeli said tradition begins when they acknowledge the vanua and its blessings and must follow through at game time.

“When you come to present your i-tatau, tradition begins at Government House and the cibi must be performed,” Ratu Epeli said.

“It is simply a challenge of you get me or I get you.”

“Fiji expects nothing less from you, you have the publics support but it expects you to perform your best and more so on behalf of all the people of Fiji, prepare yourself well and go forth to represent the nation.”

The Flying Fijians had removed the cibi from the current Northern hemisphere tour for religious reasons but Fiji 7s coach Iliesa Tanivula says they will perform the war dance.

“It is what Fiji rugby is known for, just the like the all Blacks are known for their haka,” he said.

The team jetted off to Sri Lanka yesterday for an invitational 7s tournament this weekend.

The Dubai 7s kicks off on December 4 and the George 7s in South Africa a week later.

Ireland slaughter hapless Fijians at home

2009-11-22T13:19:00.001+13:00

November 22, 2009

Rookie fly half Jonathan Sexton announced his arrival in internationalrugby with a flawless performance in Ireland's comprehensive slaughter of a hapless Fijian outfit 41-6 here Saturday.

Playing at his home ground - the RDS - the 24-year-old kicked two penalties and five conversions, including three from the touchline, in a text-book example of outhalf play.

A ruck off a lineout near the Fiji 22 led to the first penalty which the Leinster debutant duly dispatched.

It was to be the first points of a confident display. The outhalf is expected to be the latest international star to roll off the Leinster production, and this display justified the hype.

He made good decisions throughout the game; executing the full range of kicks and passes and making several powerful breaks.

Days of torrential downpours left most of the country flooded and despite the heavy rain that fell in the opening quarter, both teams handled the ball well and the pitch held up.

But the conditions meant more of the game had to be played up front. Fiji were competitive in the loose but Ireland dominated their own set piece and disrupted their opponents - including the demolition of a Fijian five-metre attacking scrum.

Controlling possession and territory, Ireland added to Sexton's penalty after several minutes camped on the Fijian goal line. Eventually the Irish spread it and Keith Earls, who had come in from his left wing was able to cross under the posts with ease.

Fiji's first chance came midway through the first half when a Nicky Little penalty effort from half way which drifted just wide. But three minutes later he made amends from closer range.

More Irish pressure, including one of several searing breaks by Rob Kearney and Sexton, failed to lead to points but on the stroke of half time the latter added three points after a ruck offence in front of the posts.

Fiji started the second half with a rare foray into the Irish 22 which yielded a penalty chance that Little dispatched easily. The unfortunate Denis Leamy was stretchered off before the kick was taken giving Sean O'Brien his first test cap.

Ireland struck back immediately with an intercept try by Brian O'Driscoll.

As the rain eased off, the wind picked up giving both sets of backs difficulty on the high ball.

But the weak Fijian scrum led to Ireland's next try, Earls going over in the corner after a move off the back a scrum which Ireland opted for instead of taking an easy penalty inside the 22.

Another O'Driscoll intercept deep in the Fijian half set up Ireland's next score with full-back Kearney crossing the whitewash in the same place Earls had seven minutes earlier.

On both occasions Sexton converted from the touchline. A late try from Shane Horgan gave him the chance to try from the other touchline and again the kick was impeccable - like the rest of his performance.

Result of the Ireland v Fiji one-off Test match here on Saturday:

Ireland 41 Fiji 6

H-t: 13-3

Scorers

Ireland: Tries - Earls 2, O'Driscoll, Kearney, Horgan. Conversions - Sexton 5. Penalties - Sexton 2

Fiji: Penalties - Little 2

Teams (15-1)

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Jamie Heaslip, Denis Leamy, Stephen Ferris; Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen; John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Tom Court

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Donncha O'Callaghan, Sean O'Brien, Tomas O'Leary, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble

Fiji: Norman Ligairi; Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Seremaia Bai (capt), Nasoni Roko; Nicky Little, Mosese Rauluni; Asaeli Boko, Akapusi Qera, Apolosi Satala; Ifereimi Rawaqa, Wame Lewaravu; Viliame Seuseu, Viliame Veikoso, Asaike Tarogi

Replacements: Isireli Ledua, Graham Dewes, Leone Nakarawa, Samu Bola, Waisale Vatuvoka, Josh Matavesi, Timoci Nagusa

Referee: Marius Jonker (RSA)

Fiji 7s Team named

2009-11-19T11:33:00.000+13:00

Beci in 7s heaven

Anare Ravula
www.fijitimes.com - Thursday, November 19, 2009

WAISALE Beci, 21, yesterday, found himself in sevens heaven when the Fiji Rugby Union announced his name in the 20-member contracted Digicel Fiji sevens players.

This will be the first time the Vuda native has won a rugby contract.

"This has provided me the opportunity to be more focused on my game," Beci said.

The Police Blues club member said he would like to follow in the footsteps of the rug-by household names that have come out of Vuda.

These include Wai-sale Tora and Iferei-mi Rawaqa.

"The sevens contract has given me the best opportunity to continue and develop as a rugby player," he said.

Also included in the squad are Nasoni Rokobiau and Asaeli Boko -- both members of the Flying Fijians team on the Northern Hemisphere tour.

FRU acting chief executive Keni Dakuidreketi said they had incre-ased the number of contracted players from 15 to 20 this year.

"From these initial 20 squad members, the team will be selected for the first leg of the IRB 7s Series," Dakuidreketi said.

The 2009-2010 IRB Sevens World Series begins in Dubai on Decem-ber 4-5 before moving to South Africa a week later.

The second leg of the series begins in Wellington on February 5-6 and ends in Las Vegas on February 13-14.

The series moves to Australia (March 19-21) and Hong Kong (March 26-28) before the final leg in England (May 22-23) and Scotland (May 29-30)

Digicel Fiji squad:

Emosi Vucago, Seremaia Burotu, Osea Kolinisau, Nasoni Rokobiau, Pio Tuwai, Watisoni Votu, Setefano Cakaunivalu, Apisai Naiyabo, Jiuta Lutumailagi, William Ryder, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Niumaia Rokobuli, Vima Tuidraki, Waisale Beci, Joeli Lutumailagi, Asaeli Boko, Suliasi Ramasima, Josefa Bole, Turuva Lumelume, Alosei Qio

No excuses

2009-11-17T11:27:00.000+13:00


www.fijisun.com.fj - 17/11/2009

Flying Fijians Head Coach Glen Ella says there can be no more excuses for their second Test against Ireland this weekend.

The side arrived in Ireland with high hopes ahead of their second test. Ella says the have left the disappointing 23-10 loss to Scotland behind them to focus on their next task.

Speaking to SunSports from the Radisson Hotel in Dublin yesterday, Ella says the players now have had ample time together to prepare unlike last week.

He believes they are in a much better position following their first test match against Scotland.

“We have now moved into our second week. Players are in camp unlike last week when players kept coming in till the last day. There can be no excuses this week,” Ella said.

Six Nations champion Ireland looks to be on form. The Wallabies dreams of a Grand Slam tour was dashed following a 20-20 draw against Ireland yesterday.

Ella and assistant coach Mike Brewer were present at the encounter to review the strengths and weaknesses of their next opponent. He says the Flying Fijians needs to be on their toes in order to beat Ireland.

“I thought the Ireland scrum is not as good as Scotland but their lineouts are working. Ireland is tough and they are putting a lot of pressure in the breakdown areas. We need to win our set pieces and work hard in the breakdowns,” he said.

Running against time Ella says his Flying Fijians side just has a few days to get their acts right. Few changes are highly likely to be made in the starting line up to face Ireland.

Ireland based Timoci Nagusa and Apolosi Satala expected to join the team today. Satala who missed the first test against Scotland last weekend due to his late arrival had gone back to his Gloucester club to play a match.

The Fiji-Ireland will be held 5am on Sunday