The late Doc Danie Craven, rugby player, coach, administrator of South Africa, once famously said that if you gave him two good locks, he would build the team around them.

This is so because the locks are the heart of the scrum and pack of forwards.

They are the players who control the lineout, kick-offs, get the driving mauls going and being on the playing field enforce a physical presence which helps the team.

Taking nothing away from any other position, if you struggle in the lock department, you will have problems in your team at large.

Therefore, it is pleasing that our Vodafone Flying Fijians are slowly developing a good partnership and rapport in this department.

The stellar performance so far of Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa and Tevita Cavubati, are a good indicator as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup in September.

Last Saturday in Sacramento, Nakarawa and Ratuniyarawa led the charge against Samoa and their work rate, support effort in multi-phase play is in the top notch.

This is a much improved performance from the first game against the Maori All Blacks early this month.

The lock forwards are the mainstay of the team.

Kobus Wiese, Hannes Strydom stood tall for the  Springboks at the 1995 RWC, John Eales, Matt Cockbain, David Giffin for the Wallabies at the 1999 RWC, Martin Johnson and Ben Kay for England in 2003, Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield for South Africa in 2007 and Brad Thorn and Kieran Read for the All Blacks in 2011.

Nakarawa, Ratuniyarawa, Cavubati are on track to excel more at the 2015 RWC.

The Fijians play Japan in their final pool play in Toronto on Thursday.

They just need to regroup fast in defence and shut out the gaps as was the case against Samoa.

Here’s how we rate our Flying Fijians:

1. Peni Ravai:  Strong start, stood his ground- 7/10
2. Sunia Koto: More practice to make his throw tick- 6/10
3. Manasa Saulo: Another good allround game- 7/10
4. Api Ratuniyarwa: His presence/contribution improving- 8/10
5. Leone Nakarawa: Stellar performance- 5/10
6. Peceli Yato: Good debut, star on the rise- 5/10
7. Akapusi Qera: Leads team well- 5/10
8. Sakiusa Matadigo: Strong in defence- 6/10
9. Nemia Kenatale: Established why he is first choice- 8/10
10. Ben Volavola: Gelling well with team- 5/10
11. Waisea Nayacalevu: Made good yards, defended well- 7/10
12. Gabriele Lovobalavu: Always reliable.- 7/10
13. Vereniki Goneva: Organiser always set the pace- 5/10
14. Asaeli Tikoirotuma: Need more game time- 6/10
15. Metuisela Talebula: Good start after missingout the first two games.- 7/10

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj