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'We’re humble' - Raiwalui rejects favourites tag
By PA
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has cooled talk of his team being billed in some quarters as favourites for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup clash with Wales.
Wales are currently below Fiji in the world rankings, while Raiwalui’s men saw their tournament preparations highlighted by an historic victory over England at Twickenham.
Fiji dumped Wales out of the 2007 World Cup, and they dominated proceedings early on in Japan four years ago before Wales wing Josh Adams’ try hat-trick inspired a 29-17 success.
“When could we ever be called favourites when we are considered a developing country versus a developed country – resources and those sort of things?” Raiwalui said.
“We are confident with our preparation, with our group. We never go in thinking we are favourites to win. We’re humble.
“We have worked hard throughout the eight-week (warm-up) campaign, and our focus has always been one week at time, what is the next challenge, what have we got coming up this weekend?
“We’ve been working towards this point, so we are totally focused on this game and nothing past this game. We understand Wales is a very good team, they’ve got a lot of experience so we understand the challenge and we’re looking forward to it.
“We have worked on certain areas that have traditionally been a weakness for us, so it’s going to be a good challenge in those areas.
“One of my catchphrases is, ‘play like a Fijian’, so traditionally that is the offloading, the quick touch, the one touch, aggressive ball-carriers, the contact, our set-piece. So that is what I have really pushed.”
Raiwalui has strong links to Wales, having enjoyed a successful playing career with Newport, where his form gained him selection for Fiji’s 1999 World Cup squad.
“My youngest son was born in Newport and I played there for a while, so I’ve got a huge affinity for Newport and Wales,” he added.
“I love the country. There are very similar cultures (to Fiji) in terms of family.
“Like all teams, they (Wales) will be keeping a few things under their belt specifically for their opening game. and we understand there will be some other challenges.
“I think they will look to attack us in the areas they think we are susceptible to, and obviously we will look to impose our game as well.”
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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