Respecting your opponents, as well as your team, coaches, officials and the game, is paramount to good sportsmanship. It’s only human, decent and proper that we show respect as we are all bound to win some and lose some in life.

Our Vodafone Fijian 7s team currently leads the World Sevens Series after four tournaments and we are in a good position to defend our title in the remaining six tournaments. It’s so unfortunate that some Fijian rugby fans and critics still fail to appreciate that just because we finished third in Wellington and Sydney 7s tournaments.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou expressed his disgust on fans calling for changes. We seemed to over-rate our teams so badly that we hate to lose.

There’s no denying that Ben Ryan is the right man for the job. And his achievements prove that and we are fortunate to have him.

“If critics base their arguments with facts then I have no problem with that,” Mr Ryan said.

“But when it’s all just bitterness and a desire to cause issues then I do have an issue with it.”

Fans need to be aware that, Mr Ryan and the team have achieved so much and it’s only fair and just that their efforts is recognised and appreciated.

He says: “We’ve achieved so much with the boys.”

Achievements so far

– We have had the longest winning run against the All Blacks Sevens in the history of Fijian 7s. Last weekend in Sydney was our first defeat to them in 21 months;

– We have had the longest winning run (18 games) in the history of Fijian 7s in the World Sevens Series;

– We are currently setting and extending another world record of the most consecutive pool victories (39) in the World Sevens Series;

– In our last 60 games we have won 54. New Zealand have only won 47 and South Africa 45. Mr Ryan’s win record since he has been in Fiji is 87 per cent;

– He’s the only coach in the world that has winning records against every other team in the last three seasons;

– He’s won more World Sevens Series tournaments than any other Fijian coach and this was also at a time when Fiji Rugby Union had their worse financial crisis ever.

You lose some games win some games. Sometimes you don’t deserve to win those games and sometimes you don’t deserve to lose them. But the best team wins the series and we’re the defending champions and we are currently leading the race. What more can we ask for? The best we can all do is to contribute and support the cause.

Sydney MOB Fundraise

Two Fiji jerseys signed by the Vodafone Fiji 7s extended squad including coach Ben Ryan were presented at the Sydney Marist Old Boys fundraising function which coincided with the Sydney 7s last weekend.

Marist Rugby Club president and Road to Gold co-chair, Lawrence Tikaram, attended the function to introduce the Road to Gold campaign.  Richard Gock of Sydney won the bid of $1750.

Sydney-based MOB Epeli Naivalu said: “We extend our best wishes to the team and management for the rest of this year’s 7s journey that hopefully will turn to gold in Rio, come August.’’

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj