So Fiji’s Rugby Sevens team is going to have to be ready to “win ugly” at the Paris Olympics. What about winning fair and square? What about relying on skills and teamwork? What about setting an example to the world of sportsmanship, dignity and fair play?
Do these guys intend to “play ugly” while wearing their religious beliefs in their sleeves, praying fervently to God and singing hymns before a global audience? Do they honestly think God will still be on their side if they do?
If you’re wondering why so many of Fiji’s young people have gone off the rails – drugs, indiscipline, crime, internecine warfare in our schools – how much is it because their role models have also gone off the rails?
A government that openly flouts the rule of law. An Education Minister who bashed his wife to within an inch of her life. A Minister for Children who smokes “weed”, has illicit sex and lies. And now a national rugby team that plans to do anything it takes to win.
Fijian rugby players used to be characterised by modesty, teamwork and flair. Now they intend to be as ugly as everyone else.
God help us. Because none of these people are.
Omg, you’re a broken record Graham. Winning ugly does not mean not playing within the rules, just means more structured and not the usual flair. If you want ugly in sport, just look at your cricket team, from underhand bowling to ball tampering, that is ugly and unsportsmanlike. Or look at your victorious Blues state of origin team, nearly decapitating a Queenslader with a no arms tackle. That is ugly. Fiji sevens win might be ugly for Fiji but is beautiful in your part of the world.
The usual “but what about?” response. The national broken record in Fiji.
Ugly is ugly. Got a mirror handy?
Ah yes – the inevitable Queensland Maroons supporter can’t resist the opportunity to get a whine or should I say a whinge in.
It would be pretty hard to find a bunch or sorer losers anywhere than Queensland Maroons fans.
You lost fair and square, not ugly. Well-beaten across all facets of play by a superior team.
Move on already!
Good one GD – “Got a mirror handy?”
Now that Kolinasau is the ‘local’ coach, all of Fiji’s problems are solved. Locals know best as we all know and we see in the government as well.
Since the ‘vulagi” government was unseated almost 2 years ago all of Fiji’s problems have been solved, what with the wisdom of the GCC and the removal and appointment of people everywhere as well. Not to mention all the help from God. We all know that Fijians have a special dispensation with God. No other country, team or people are as special as Fiji and Fijians in the eyes of God. The PM has a direct line to God and has had it since 1987. I am not kidding, just ask him.
What you smoking ? did Rabuka’s god tell him to send his goons on a rape assault of indo Fijian women and even the grand mothers in 1987.
Can you please tell me his god’s name?
I agree kaiyum took law in his own hands to rule for 16 years but no goons were sent out to rape itaukei women and their grand mothers.
I also want to correct that the previous gov’t was not vulagi. The PM was Bainimarama
and FFP had almost 12 itaukeis who shamelessly crossed over to Rabuka’s side for sheer monetary gain. If they had not done so the opposition would be strong to tackle the coalition party on issues that would need objecting. If all the Fiji’s problem has been solved as you say then why the grassroot people of all ethnic are struggling and unable to put decent food on the table. Next time think before you write. god bless.
Geez. Nothing positive here.
This is the opinion of an observer, not a comment by the coach, manager or member of the team. No? It’s unfair to imply that they will play in some underhand manner.
It could also be that in using the word ugly, the commentator was trying to say they may still win by playing cautiously, retaining the ball and avoiding, flamboyant risky moves. In other words, playing it safe in less spectacular fashion than people have come to expect.
It’s a just a game….well in my opinion, not going to solve worlds problems…
I belive the journalist was meaning this
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/winning+ugly
Then perhaps I have been too harsh. My apologies. The rest of it is still true, however. About the appalling example being set for our young people across the board.
Remember Rio and Tokyo and the joy experienced amidst the country’s most difficult years. We may have a reason to celebrate again but one had to be a kill joy. Cegu mada.
Then I suggest you don’t read it. It ain’t compulsory, you know. BTW, how are your strike plans going? Never mind the poor students at USP. More poor role models in the union movement.
I won’t on this issue Graham.
Pal has terminated Dr Tamara and the students are supporting her. Did Pal think about those PG students? Why are you not asking him that?
You refuse to understand or give credit to the Staff and what we staff did for the students 2019-2023 and onwards. So you dont know why there is no need for a strike on pay? You’re slipping! Ask Pal.
Elizabeth, I will say what I say to everyone. Come back to me when the USP Council sides with you against the rule of law. The staff don’t run the university. The 12 nations who are on the Council do through the VC.
It’s not a worker’s collective, whatever inflated view you might have of your own importance. Let’s see what happens.
BTW, it’s not about Pal. It’s about the proper administration of the institution. And if you think what you are doing is in the interests of students and their parents, I beg to differ. You’ve got your pay rise. Get on with it.
A silver medal is excellent. Didn’t play well in the final (too little team play, off-loads, change of directions) but to make them responsible for fiji’s problems is really ugly in the real sense of the word.
Biggest achievement an athlete can gain is to play for a country and than coach the same .
Now he is the man in charge at Olympics for none other than one of the best rugby nation and best team of this universe.
There were others in their own right but he is outstanding athlete of all.
He is great Tomasi Cama junior.
Current national coach of New Zealand seven’s team .
He is the top man.
A born Fijian.
Go All blacks
Till to date none of the mainstream media has acknowledged this.
I also know New Zealand sevens team is the most hated team of many Fijian fans.
But if you gift them a All blacks shirt they will grab with both hands.
Even the most One Eyed Canterbrian of NZ rugby would giggle at such claims by the admirably parochial Fijian Rakavi.
The pinnacle for a NZ sevens player is to make the All Blacks 15s squad.
In NZ sevens legendary names like Cullen, Rush, Lomu, Cashmore, Seymour come up. Coach G Titjens the perpetual legend.
Visual distortion can be corrected by a visit to opticians EyeSite in Suva. Mental delusion is a bit more difficult to treat.
Agree with the query by Grubsheet to the ‘inferrence’ by Raqio in sensationisiling the views of a seasoned, tested, proven sports training professional. It is an ‘ugly’ title to a report on a Team of dedicated, talented young Fijians.
And as Fiji and the Olympic world has witnessed early on today, Fiji was ‘sensational’, totally ‘on song’.
Thank you for calling out this nonsensical ‘dumb as’ labelling of a clearly committed Flying Fijians 7s Team.
Peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind, referees, TMO and Olympic Games Organisers…..until Fiji starts losing ….
Most racist team in Rugby sport.
99 percent itaukei players only.
To date I haven’t seen any other teams having only one color playing in rugby team, though they call themselves multiracial country.
Happened only during apartheid but it’s no more now.
None of their major sponsors too are itaukei.
Luckily tax payers fork out the expenses and of course tax free Fiji water.
Fiji Airways is tax payer owned as well.
@Polo
That is not correct. Fiji 7s rugby is entirely based on merit. No one pushes other races out of the running for the National Jersey. To say so is simply not being honest.
The Itaukei are naturally athletic and gifted for 7s.
And I am saying this as a non-itaukei
They are naturally gifted to remove a democratically elected government as well.
Lucky if they bring back a piyala award. I just cringe every time I see tears flowing down and fingers pointing towards the heavens before the games.
Till to date ,I haven’t figured out who they pointing at and who they look at in the sky.
Once I thought it was the spider cam.
Naturally gifted. So, what of the other teams. Unnaturally gifted? As long as the team respect all opposition, success is there for the taking.
Perhaps they need to look down when praying. Lol!
That aside, there’s no doubt the team is hot contenders for gold and glory. We can see the hard work is coming together at the right time. Once they get past the quarters, they’ll be too hot to handle – untouchable even.
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/olympics/paris-2024/rugby-sevens-why-fiji-team-does-not-have-indians-fijian-history-indian-labourers-british-colony-plantations-discrimation-racism/article68441651.ece