Sports

Flying Fijians can make it to next round-Netani Talei

September 16, 2015 4:04 am

One of the most capped players in the Vodafone Flying Fijians squad to the Rugby World Cup Netani Talei disagrees that Fiji is in what many consider is the ‘Pool of Death.’

Fiji is group with England, Wales, Australia and Uruguay.

Having come out of a surgery for a foot injury nine months ago, the fitness fanatic believes the team has what it takes to make the nation proud.

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“Personally my aim is to help the boys reach the quarter finals or whatever finals. People say it’s a pool of death. I disagree. We’ve heard a lot of our boys saying it’s a pool of opportunities. We just have to go out and make our nation proud. Put on that white jersey and think that we are playing for national, our family, our kids and everyone that supports Fiji rugby.”

Being called to represent the country is an opportunity for Talei to add a few more notches to his current 28 caps.

Talei’s love for rugby grew when he played school rugby for Marist Brothers High School up to the Under 18 grade.

Talei then took up intense training under the guidance of his father and went on to play club rugby for Suva and Nadroga.

After his surgery, late last year, Talei got back to training and was eventually called to try out for the Harlequin fifteens club in England and has extended the deal for a further two years.

Once he’s hung up his rugby boots, the 32 year old plans to become an athletics coach – track and field was in fact his favourite sport as a small boy.

Meanwhile the Flying Fijians open its campaign against England at 7am this Saturday.

You can watch the entire tournament live on FBC TV.