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They are the all-singing, all-smiling Fijian rugby union team who broke the hearts of the Wallabies in France on Monday morning to carve out their own slice of history: their first victory over Australia in 69 years.
The result may have stunned Australian rugby fans, but the win really wasn’t that surprising with the island nation toppling England for the first time just a month ago.
Fijian coach Simon Raiwalui even warned future opponents what to look out for when Fiji can smell a victory, telling this masthead that “in rugby, a smiling Fijian is a dangerous Fijian”.
The Fijians have been joyous all tournament, and their victory over the Wallabies has put them into second place in Pool C as they aim for their best World Cup run since 2007.
Former Fijian international Nemani Nadolo said it wasn’t just a win for the team, it was a victory for a country.
“Every time those boys put on that jersey you can sense there’s a lot more of what they’re playing for than just each other,” Nadolo said.
“It means a lot not only the people on the island, but the rest of us Fijians around the world. Rugby in our country is second to God. It’s religion and rugby, that gives you an understanding of how big the game is back home.
“Representing our people is something we don’t take lightly. I’ve been fortunate to have represented Fiji for over a decade, and every time you put that jersey on there’s a sort of weight because you’re representing the next generation, but you’re [also] representing people that don’t have much back on the island. They’d happily give up their bottom dollar to help the team win or succeed.”
Even before the tournament, Fiji was fast becoming one of the World Cup’s most likeable teams.
A video from winger Semi Radradra showing the squad singing arm-in-arm while they marched up a sand dune went viral during the team’s pre-tournament preparations, along with another of the squad singing together on the team bus.
Fiji’s Ilaisa Droasese and Samuel Matavesi embrace after defeating the Wallabies.Credit: AP
The Fijians’ victory over Australia is their first win of the tournament, but if they can beat Georgia and Portugal they could be on their way to their first World Cup quarter-final in 16 years.
But for Fijian-born dual-code footballer Lote Tuqiri, who played for the Wallabies from 2003 to 2008, is home nation’s success is no surprise.
“They’ve really matured as a team and as a squad in the last few years,” Tuqiri said.
“You’ve just got to go back to the game where they beat England a few weeks ago, and they probably left three or four tries out there against Wales, which they should have won last week.
“So, if you’re following a bit of the form guide, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise seeing where they are and where they’ve come from. This has been brewing for a while, and this [victory] sort of topped it off.”
Watch all the action from Rugby World Cup 2023 on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Every match streaming ad-free, live and in 4K UHD with replays, mini matches and highlights available on demand.
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