Flying Fijians performance dubbed as worst ever
The Rugby World Cup disappointing loss in the pool game, finishing last in the Pacific Nations Cup, first ever defeat to Japan at home, the biggest losing margin to Tonga since the first game in 1924 and the drop in ranking from 10th to 16th are some of the highlights that marked the Fiji 15's rugby team for this year.
The year started in the Pacific Rugby Cup where the Fiji Warriors side managed to defend the title relying on Tonga to beat Samoa for the results to go on their favor.
Then former coach, Samu Domoni Jnr put more than 60 players to trial for the Pacific Nation Cup which was used as a build up to the Rugby World Cup last October, unfortunately the writing was on the fall from the PNC with two months to the World Cup we finished last with our first loss to Japan at our home turf.
The side received $3M from the government for the RWC preparation and were already talking about the fact that they were better than the 2007 team that reached the quarterfinals.
They were the first side to arrive in New Zealand promising they will be the last to leave, but the results was the other way around with only a win against Namibia and heavy loss to South Africa, Samoa and for the first time in a Rugby World Cup we did not score points in the last game to Wales.
Coach, Domoni's famous quote in the World Cup was the fact that emotion got the better of the players in a crucial game where they did not stick to the game plan.
Samu Domoni and his coaching staff were put on a firing block by the FRU board with 6 players also found guilty of breaking the rules in NZ.
The post for the Flying Fijians coach for the next 4 years is now been advertised and will be closed this Friday with the main goal of the successful applicants is to guide the side to the 2015 RWC.
Meanwhile, in the local 15's rugby, Nadroga again remained the undisputed champions after winning both the Farebrother Sullivan trophy and the Digicel Cup competition.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement