D\espite losing two of their opening 2019 Rugby World Cup matches, Fiji Airways Flying Fijians first five-eighth Ben Volavola is optimistic that they still have a chance and they never give up for Fiji.

On the eve of playing Georgia today, Volavola spoke about how grateful he was to have shared a special bond with his brothers in the squad.

The Tokatoka, Tailevu, native said it had been an overwhelming four-year journey with the team and

was focused on attaining positive results in their last two remaining Pool D matches.

Volavola said: “With the disappointment experienced, I feel it is a true testimony to us as brave characters to provide a good result today and a mind-blowing result against Wales. And basically, just fighting on and not giving up because there is still a chance. I really hope that people look at this team and say they were a team that never gave up despite the losses.

The bond

“That feeling of getting every opportunity to play with this special group of players is such a dream come true,” Volavola said.

“And what these people do behind closed doors, without people really seeing and with the light shining on them and the crowd not being there, is just amazing.

“The work that they do head and shoulders is above any other campaign that I had been part of regarding our Flying Fijians group.

“And just to be able to play with this group, which is so talented and with so much potential, is such a blessing.

What fans don’t see

“At training, I get to see some of the boys do things and pull things off and I just want to sit back and wonder how they manage to do these things as it comes naturally to them,” Volavola said.

“And a lot of the times, I am like envious that I want to do most of this stuff, but I can’t and feel like a kid in the playground.

“Just being able to witness what these boys are able to do on the field and what would make me the happiest if these boys are able to express themselves against the strong Georgian team.

“And everyone is working on the side that they need to be satisfied in terms of how they play individually on the field.

Pool D losses

Reflecting on the two losses in Pool D, Volavola said: “We have been quite disappointed in two occasions now and the last one was really hurtful against Uruguay. But I guess the chemistry, how a special team is able to pick themselves up is just so special.

“I think I’ve never been part of such a team to experience such a disappointment because we had massive expectations and at the same time to have such care and empathy for each other.

“Couple of days ago we experienced that disappointment and trauma I guess, but now it’s a day to go before Georgia and the boys are ready to go.”

Favourite bit of RWC

“Being able to experience a different country and culture is a learning experience. I’ve never been to Japan, but I am overwhelmed to witness how the country is embracing the sport,” he said.

“But also, being part of this Flying Fijians group has been so different for me. It wasn’t like this before in the past four years. This one’s special.

“That’s the actual testimony to the disappointments that we have witnessed. The boys picking each other up from those disappointments and losses rather than dividing each other up. I think that is the most special thing I will take with me when this Rugby World Cup is over.”

Proud to dawn the white jersey

“When I decided to play for Fiji it has been the best decision ever. It came with great expectations because of our country and people that hold high expectations,” Volavola said.

“And a lot the times the boys are able to build such a special bond and culture around the medical staff, management. The media becomes like an extended family and I don’t think I will ever regret that decision of wearing the great white jersey.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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