“The Spoiler was the best in his position.”
These are the words of former Flying Fijians coach and former Wallaby Ilivasi Tabua on the late Rupeni ‘The Spoiler’ Qaraniqio.
Tabua said he will never forget that day in 1977 when he saw Qaraniqio continuously disrupting the British Lions run of play which Fiji won 25-21.
Tabua added Qaraniqio was a humble man and always did his talking on the field.
66-year-old Qaraniqio passed away at the Lautoka hospital after a short illness on Tuesday.
Since 1972, Qaraniqio played tests for Fiji against Tonga, NZ, the NZ Maori, the British Lions, England, France, Australia and Italy.
In 1974, they almost beat the All Blacks at the old Buckurst Park.
The final score was 14-13.
He played with players like Rodney Samuels, Ilaitia Tuisese, Ilisoni Taoba, Tui Cavuilati, Ravuama Latilevu, Nimilote Ratudina and Pio Bosco Tikoisuva.
In 1980, Qaraniqio and his Nadroga team nearly caused an upset when they almost defeated the All Blacks only to lose out in the end 14-6.
He will be laid to rest tomorrow in his village in Cuvu.
Story by: Akuila Cama
Spoiler was the best - Tabua
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