Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
“In Fiji family is everything. We have been 15 weeks away from our families since we started this campaign so this becomes our family,” Seremaia Bai on Fiji’s preparations.
It has been a roller coaster of a ride to the playoffs for Fiji at the Rugby World Cup. After an impressive start in their first two matches against Australia and Wales, the team struggled in their last two pool matches with a loss to Portugal.
The team was also affected with some devastating news regarding the loss of family members to players Josua Tuisova and Sam Matavesi. Coach Seremaia Bai believes this has unified the team to be there for each other.
“In Fiji family is everything. We have been 15 weeks away from our families since we started this campaign so this becomes our family,” Bai said.
“If one suffers, we all suffer. In Fiji we are kind of a family even if we are from different provinces. We become very close. It is a very tough moment but we need to stay together and care for one another.”
Coming off their loss to Portugal, Bai admits that there are a lot of improvements needed in the team to hold off a strong English side. After defeating England leading up to the World Cup, Bai is confident that they can duplicate that performance come game day.
“If you look at our game at the weekend, we just need to keep hold of the ball. Building phases, being patient, ball carrying – those fundamentals. I think we can move the ball around better on the field. That is something we talked about coming out of last weekend’s game.”
“It took us 16 years to get where we are, and it takes us 15 weeks only – instead of four years – to build this team up, and that’s something that we are very grateful for, players who play around the country come together in 15 weeks. Beyond that, it’s a dream and a goal that we aspire to and something that can motivate us to reach beyond.”
