President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau told the Vodafone Flying Fijians they needed to perform against Tonga today.

He made the comment as the team presented their itatau (traditional farewell) at Government House in Suva yesterday before the opening round of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup at the ANZ Stadium.

Addressing the team and management, Ratu Epeli challenged the players to do the people of Fiji proud and deliver what they’ve accomplished in training out on the field.

Looking at Fiji’s so-called ‘Pool of Death, Ratu Epeli offered a more positive, encouraging perspective for the boys to take.

“In the World Cup, we’re in a tough pool but it’s not a ‘Pool of Death’. I look at it as a pool of pride. We’re there with four other teams, three of which we’ve beaten in the past, one we almost beat.

“We’ve got together the best core of expertise for Fiji rugby. We can’t have any better than what we have now and it’s the best that we’ve had over the years of Fiji rugby that I’ve followed. So, it means that we’re taking our trip to the World Cup seriously. That’s where we’re all headed.”

In accepting the national side’s itatau, Ratu Epeli reminded them of to keep their pledge to perform their very best for the country during the 2015 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.

“What you have done this morning is to assure the people of Fiji, through me, that you are ready to take on the task that is before you in the weeks that are ahead, both in States and in Canada. That’s the meaning of the itatau and I accept it.

“I’ll pass on those words to the people of Fiji that you’re ready to go out and perform at your best for the people of Fiji. You’re going to play Samoa and Japan. No game for Fiji, from here on in, is a minor game. They are all major events, for you and for all of us in Fiji.”

He also offered a word of advice for those players making their first appearance at the World Cup to think beyond the tournament as it provided a platform to boost their future in rugby.

Fiji plays their first PNC match this afternoon against Tonga in Suva before heading to Sacramento, USA to play Samoa then head to Toronto, Canada to play Japan.

The 2015 PNC will be contested by Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Japan, Canada and the United States with Samoa and Japan the reigning joint defending champions.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj