Stopping Habosi
If I was to stop Vinaya Habosi, I would get on to him as fast as I can, says a legendary rugby winger.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Tuqiri said, they always used that when playing against the late All Blacks great Jonah Lomu.
“Get to him as fast as you can before he makes his move,” Tuqiri, a former Australian Kangaroo (rugby league), Wallabies (rugby) and Fiji Bati captain said.
Tuqiri indicated that he never heard of Habosi until he broke into the limelight during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
“Habosi lights up the game and he is the one people pay their $5 or $10 ticket for the game to watch him play.”
Tuqiri said the amendment of the eligibility laws by World Rugby is good for the Pacific teams.
“I watched Seta (Tamanivalu) and he was massive proud to put the white jumper on.”
Tuqiri said with the support of PacificAus Sports, there are lots of opportunities for the islands teams to further develop their players.
He indicated that the Tongans despite the 36-0 loss to the Vodafone Flying Fijians are working hard on their game.
Tuqiri said a couple of injured players in the Tongan squad have opted not to fly back to their homes but to remain with the team, as a show of support.
He also highlighted the impressive performance of Manu Samoa in their 31-26 win over Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup opener last Saturday.
Tuqiri said with the backing of PacificAus Sports, he is hopeful that come the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, one of the Pacific teams will be among the Tier One nations in either the semifinals or the final.
“And even hoping for Fiji to win it,” the Namatakula, Nadroga, native added.
On Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Samoa faces Tonga at 12pm followed by the Fiji, Australia A clash at 3.30pm.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
