More than 23 Fijians will be in action when our side takes on the Wallabies in their second Rugby World Cup pool match in Saint Etienne, France on Monday.
Seven players with links to Fiji are part of the Australian side which includes Suliasi Vunivalu, Marika Koroibete, Isaac Fines Leleiwasa, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Samu Kerevi, Rob Valetini and Langi Gleeson,
Flying Fijians number eight Viliame Mata believes it’s going to be a special occasion but their objective hasn’t changed.
“It’s just a great challenge for us to go against our fellow Fijians from the other side but it doesn’t take away the mindset, we’re going for our first win this week, that’s what our mindset is,”
The loss to Wales is now water under the bridge and Mata says they live to fight another day.
He adds they’ll need to take their opportunities against Australia.
“It’s not so much revenge but we reviewed the game against Wales and we know that we got so much we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities, going on to this weekend we just going to take all of our opportunities.”
Fiji faces the Wallabies at 3:45am on Monday in Saint Etienne in France.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Rugby Union has added another sponsor to its vuvale with Marsh joining as an insurance partner.
FRU Administrator Simione Valenitabua says national players both men and women will have insurance cover for injuries sustained during overseas games.
Valenitabua said this is a big step for both parties as far as insurance is concerned.
“The terms and conditions are confidential however we feel there’s a lot Marsh can offer Fiji Rugby and this is the beginning.”
Country Head Fiji and CEO, Patrick Anthes said they’re proud to embark on this new journey with the FRU.
“It’s such a big part of the Fijian community, everyday life and the passion. So, we are really proud and we look forward to a long-standing relationship so thank you very much.”
The FRU has its own insurance partner for local competitions and they’re working to expand this to include Deans and Raluve.
Valenitabua says this is part of their holistic development as they build a new structure in Rugby House.
SOURCE: FBC SPORTS/PACNEWS
