Editorial:

The Wallabies awesome display of rugby on Saturday night against the mighty All Blacks will certainly change a lot of people’s minds on the Australians,

Until a few internationals ago, Australia looked like they could be beaten by the Flying Fijians, based on their performances over the past year.

At that time the Wallabies were a vulnerable side with their performance a far cry from yesteryears, especially during the time when John Eales was captain.

Many, mainly New Zealanders and die-hard All Blacks supporters would claim that Australia had it easy with the red card shown to lock Scott Barrett in the 40th minute and the New Zealanders putting up a sterling performance in the second half with only 14 men.

But credit must be given to the Wallabies in what seems their resurgence and sudden claim as a contender for the Rugby World Cup title.

In saying that: Where does that leave the Flying Fijians who were beaten by a clinical Japanese outfit and had two meager performances against Canada and Manu Samoa?

Is this is where we are with just six weeks to the World Cup?

Of course, national coach John McKee knows better, but at least with the defeat of France in Paris last year and the first win against the Maori All Blacks in years, one would expect consistency in the performances through the Pacific Nations Cup.

If that is the performance we will go by, then the national side will be in for a torrid time with pool matches.

The Wallabies are in Fiji’s pool and being listed before the match as an underdog but surprised everyone with an exhilarating performance that surely would have caused some re-thinking in the minds of rugby pundits, let alone coaches of teams in the same pool.

Our game against Samoa leaves a lot to be desired, but like all patriotic Fijians, we pray and hope that things are being kept under wraps by McKee and will be showcased during the RWC.

At least the Wallabies’ performance has given Fiji a chance to see how their pool opponent has transformed.

We cannot rest on our laurels with the wins against France and the Maori All Blacks because the Rugby World Cup, is, as they say, a different kettle of fish.

We have some of the most exciting exponents of the game in our backline and it is only a matter of them connecting the dots for the world to see the Flying Fijians at their best.

For the moment, let us not leave any stones unturned for if we have the stamina and heart to defeat France 21-14 on their home soil in Paris, we can do the same in Japan come September.

Go Fiji Go! n

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj