While Australia and New Zealand prepare for an epic Rugby World Cup final, it will also be a big occasions for three particular Fijians.
All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo and Wallabies midfielder Tevita Kuridrani and winger Henry Speight carry the pride of Fijians all over the world being members of the two finalists.
Vodafone Fijian 7s head coach Ben Ryan said with a final that contains two of the biggest teams in World Rugby, having that Fijian influence was huge.
“It’s a final featuring the two best teams in the world and what a final it will be,” Ryan said.
“I think it is great that both teams have that Fijian influence with Naholo, Kuridrani and Speight because I know everyone is after a place on that final squad to play in the final.
“But should they play, I think it will be great and also a special moment for them and it would be even more wonderful if they played and scored tries, wonderful for them and also for Fiji in general.”
With Ryan’s extensive knowledge in the game of rugby, the final will split the world in two and he believes it will go down to the wire.
“Australia has a lot of confidence going into this final because they have beaten New Zealand in recent months, so that will be a motivation factor for them,” he said.
“But with a game like this, I am hoping it will go into extra time like it did in 2003 and there will be a lot of things to consider.
“It will depend on who plays their position well and certainly be a duel between David Pocock and Richie McCaw as well as a kicking duel, so it should be really interesting.”
But with Australia’s confidence, Ryan predicts that the world Number One team, the All Blacks, will come out winners after a gruelling 80-minute game.
“If I had to make a prediction, I think New Zealand will just about edge Australia in extra time and come out winners.”
Meanwhile, Vodafone Flying Fijians coach John McKee knows the final will be a tough one and said it would come down to the defensive play and winning set pieces.
“I know both teams would like to play tough rugby and defensive game,” McKee said
“New Zealand would like to gain some dominance in the scrum and the ruck would be critical. So I’ll expect a close encounter from both teams.”
He also commented on Tevita Kuridrani saying he will be a crucial player.
“He (Kuridrani) is a strong player and I am sure he is looking forward to the game and is also a critical player in the Wallabies backline. I think it will be a very tight game.”