Teivovo September, 2014 September, 2014 | Page 4

© Teivovo

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Vodafone Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa warriors, kneel in a tight circle of
prayer after their clash.

Michael Shaw

Director Operations

Vela Naucukidi
Senior Writer

CongratulationsManu
Samoa on winning the
2014 PNC
Bula Teivovo Rugby nuts!

I must admit, after the conclusion
of the HSBC Sevens World Series in
mid-May, I have been a little lost in terms of what rugby
to watch, but this year’s June Test window, especially the
PNC Tests between Fiji, Tonga and Samoa soon focused my
attention.
We three nations of Oceania, share a rich rugby history
of Tests stretching back nearly 100 years and as such, it
is something we should proudly cherish, given the “David
versus Goliath” challenges we face with our Tier One
neighbours – Australia and New Zealand.
Personally, I hold nothing against them both because
that’s just the way the cookie crumbles and the sooner we
accept that and get on and help ourselves in rugby, the
better it will be for us.
When you consider that in August 1924, the Fiji Rugby
Union embarked on an 11 match tour of Samoa and Tonga
by boat, to kick-off Tests between us, then there is no
reason why we can’t help ourselves again.
Having personally spoken with prominent Maori rugby
players, I know they would jump at the chance to play us
coconuts in an expanded Pacific Nations Cup.
Coupled with the talent and pride of our Oceania and Maori
musicians, dancers and cultural groups, I live for the day
when hundreds of warriors, decked out in their traditional
battle dress, precede and then accompany our national
teams in their respective war dances.
Believe me, the spectacle (and the rugby) will leave all
other international rugby competitions for dead. Come on
Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand Maori rugby unions,
let’s get it on.
Quit hanging out like beggars scrambling for crumbs falling
off the Tier One banquet table while rugby league is taking
over.
You only need to look at the crowds at NRL and Origin
games, compared to the latest Tests and Super Rugby
gates.
-Culden Kamea-

16

Anil Prasad

24
On the Cover

Fiji and the Crusaders biggest star, Nemani Nadolo.
Aaron March/Bula Time Photography

7

4

Sale Sorovaki
Rugby Consultant

James Bolabiu
Referee Consultant

12
14

In what will be a permanent feature going forward, we have brought all the
key rugby news items upfront under a re-vamped Rakavi Matters so enjoy.

Simon Raiwalui

Randall Kamea

32

Flying Fijians Scorch Tonga

44

Front row politics with Bill Green

Replacing our regular Armchair column in this Issue is another thoughtprovoking article by Bill Green, probing just how high the Flying Fijians can fly
on the IRB World Rankings.

The Flying Fijians failed to fire against Manu Samoa in their winner-take-all Test match
for the 2014 IRB Pacific Nations Cup. We put Fiji’s loss down to the desperate defence of
the Samoans and the pressure of the new big digital clock at ANZ Stadium!

On another brilliant Saturday afternoon in Lautoka, with Churchill Park picture-perfect for
running rugby, the Vodafone Flying Fijians came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders
and absolutely scorched Ikale Tahi 45 – 17.

This was always going to be a close game to call, with Italy desperately wanting a win
and the Flying Fijians wanting to put up a good performance at home, after a below-par
tour of Europe last November, including losing to Italy 31 – 37.

FRU promotes “Get into Rugby” in schools

54

Minor Union Rugby – The Yamacia 7s

58

Rugby Columnist

Rugby Columnist

Fiji burns Italy’s Pizza

50

Former TV rugby commentator, Satish Narain, delivers his wrap on the recently completed HSBC Sevens World Series for another season.

Enjoy our in-depth coverage of Samisoni Viriviri’s amazing journey from Dratabu Village, Nadi, to the title of 2014 IRB Sevens Player of the
Year, plus we give you a full colour glossy A2 poster of the man, absolutely free. Only in Teivovo Rugby.

How well did he do in the 2013/2014 HSBC Sevens World Series?Culden Kamea followed
Ben Ryan and the Vodafone Fiji 7s team to Las Vegas, Wellington and Hong Kong in 2014,
flying with Fiji Airways of course and crunches some key stats for you.

Samoa snatch Pacific Nations Cup from Fiji

The last of the Mohicans

Two articles in the Official Match Program for Fiji’s Testagainst Samoa caught
the attention of many fans, so we thought we should re-produce them here as
one for wider consumption.

Rugby Columnist

Exclusive: Ben Ryan’s Report Card

28

Rakavi Matters

Satish Narain Has His Say

20

Jeremy Duxbury

Rugby Columnist

Professional rugby player and regular columnist, Randall Kamea, shares his views on chasing the mighty euro, versus enjoying life in
small town, rural France.

The magic of Samisoni Viriviri

Distribution & Accounts

Satish Narain

Life in France with Randall Kamea

18

Vitalina Seru

Merchandiser

The Fiji Womens Rugby Union is working with the Fiji Rugby Union to leverage the IRB’s
“Get into Rugby” programme to introduce rugby to girls in schools and the response has
been overwhelming.

After spending the last two years with the minor unions playing in the B-Division,
Navosa Rugby Union has decided to concentrate on sevens this season. The 2014
Yamacia 7s gavethem a new sense of direction to address the issues they face. A

Review of the Fiji Rugby Centenary Conference

The 100th anniversary of the Fiji