Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
It has been an ongoing plague that has crippled rugby on the international stage for quite some time. The inconsistency and subconscious bias of match officials towards tier 2 teams and smaller nations.
Fiji are the latest to fall victim at the hands of this plague after their semi finals hope were dashed in what head coach Simon Raiwalui and captain Waisea Nayacalevu claim it as “bias refereeing”
It was only just last week that England just managed to defeat Samoa in what was yet another match marred with so much controversy regarding the calls made by officials.
As the final whistle blew, Fiji’s frustrations were visible as Nayacalevu was seen refusing to speak to referee Mathieu Raynal as the match ended.
When asked if he believed there was a bias narrative with the officials, Nayacalevu replied,
“Absolutely! You guys watched the game, you guys can answer that. I was frustrated with a few calls. Maro Itoje came in and grabbed onto the ball three times and there was no penalty there”
“I’m quite emotional at the moment. A lot had happened during the week. I am proud of the boys and I just ask that we can have a fair decision like every team has” he also added.
Raiwalui stated, “There’s obviously decisions where they go 50-50. Sometimes there’s mistakes and sometimes the rub of the green doesn’t go your way”.
Despite the loss and the speculations involved in the match, both Raiwalui and Nayacalevu are not letting the result reflect their teams efforts in the world cup campaign.
Reflecting on the tournament and his role as captain, Nayacalevu was proud of the efforts the whole team and management had put in.
“I am not perfect, I am not a perfect man but I try to be perfect and I want to say I am really proud of the team today and the effort. Even though we fell short I am proud of the team, the coaching staff, management, and our pastor. What a proud moment for us to be here”
For now Raiwalui is excited for the future and what is to come for Fiji Rugby.
“This is a different Fiji team. I think it is just the start of something special. They wanted to create a new identity, I think they have done that.
