The Manager of the Fiji 15s team said they have a dedicated time of 30 minutes for the team’s prayer sessions on a daily basis.
Some callers on a talkback show on our sister station, Viti FM raised the issue that the team may be having too many prayer sessions and they should concentrate on their main task and that is to play rugby to the best of their ability for the nation.
Speaking from Hamilton, Pio Bosco Tikoisuva said the prayer sessions have assisted the players well in preparations.
1999 Fiji RWC coach and former All Black, Brad Johnstone who watched the Fiji vs Samoa match at Eden Park on Sunday and later spoke to some players said some of the team members felt the religious side of things was a bit overdone.
Meanwhile Fiji is determined not to be swayed by the occasion ahead of their clash with Wales at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday.
Captain Deacon Manu said they just want to have fun, while admitting the Fijians had lost their rhythm.
Players and management admit that since the start of their Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign, they have lost some of the joy of playing rugby.
Many said they haven’t been enjoying the journey too much over the past three weeks so they have been trying to get their minds off rugby.
He said in the preparation this week, they have really tried to enjoy themselves off the field.
Fiji coach Samu Domoni said the plan to lighten the mood is working, judging by the player’s attitude on the training pitch.
Domoni said you can see the players are laughing and enjoying themselves.
The Fijians are now out of contention for the quarter finals, but they say motivation will not be an issue come Sunday.
Manu says in the end, they are still representing their country.
Fiji takes on Wales at 5pm Sunday.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
