The Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday, thanked the Vodafone Flying Fijians in Parliament.
He commended the team following their sterling performance in their Rugby World cup match at Twickenham against England last Saturday.

Fiji lost 11-35. Sayed-Khaiyum said while they might not have won, the team had won the hearts and minds of not just all Fijians, but many rugby fans outside of Fiji.

“The UK Telegraph referring to the Fijian team said; “We must be wary of underestimating how genuine a force they are,”  Sayed-Khaiyum related.

The sports-orientated social media, he said, had gone euphoric about Fiji’s performance and of course theories were abound, some likening referee Jaco Peyper as the reincarnation of Paddy O’Brien.

“Notwithstanding referee decisions and video referees, we are in a position only to get better from. We wish our team the best for the game against Australia.”

He said he was sure when the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama addressed Parliament today, he would give them a deeper insight.

The Attorney-General said the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, in his  address said; “Fiji can win the World Cup.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said the Flying Fijians’ performance at Twickenham against England displayed Fiji’s way forward not backward.

“I congratulate the national rugby team for making us proud at that opening game,” he said.

Ratu Inoke said although  the final score of that match belied the close onfield battle and intensity of the game, the valiant efforts of the Fijian team and display of world class rugby showcased to the world Fiji’s die hard spirit.

He said it was the same spirit of team unity and hardwork that also lifted the Japanese side in a historical upset win over the favoured South African Springboks.

Ratu Inoke said if there was a lesson that Parliament could learn from these two Rugby World Cup games last weekend, it was that Fiji’s past record should not determine Fiji’s future destination.

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