News

Former Flying Fijians Coach confident Fiji can create an upset

September 21, 2019 6:23 am

Ilivasi Tabua and Seremaia Bai

“If there is a time Fiji can beat the Wallabies, now is the time.”

These were the sentiments of former Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach Ilivasi Tabua as he reminisced on moments at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Tabua says Fiji’s first world cup encounter is of great importance as it will set the standard of how people expect our boys to play.

Article continues after advertisement

“For us in 2007 our first game was against Japan and Canada which is a three day turn around and then we had Australia and Wales more similar to this. But here you have Australia first than Uruguay and Georgia then Wales which is more similar. We gotta beat Australia, we gotta win this game because Australia and Wales are going to play each out of the game.”

Tabua adds that Fiji has a powerful backline filled with world-class players.

The former Wallaby and Flying Fijian say with Semi Radradra making his World Cup debut, the Australians will have to expect something different from our boys.

“You know I’d love to see Semi Radradra in the center cause he just attracts a lot of attention. Those are the key positions and ex-factor Fiji has. Sure enough, Australia will play a quicker and faster game.”

Meanwhile, Former Flying Fijians vice-captain Seremaia Bai who was instrumental in Fiji’s win against Wales at the 2007 RWC is adamant the boys can deliver today.

Bai says containing the Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper and forwards David Pocock could be a challenge.

“They have a massive job in trying to contain Pocock and Hooper. It’s gonna be a big battle for them. It’s a combination of power and aggression which will be exciting to see.”

The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 4.45 pm today.