Editorial: We’ve said our bit. It’s time to back our Flying Fijians

The call made by veteran FIJI Water Flying Fijians flanker, Levani Botia, for social media critics to accept the selection of the 33-member squad for the Rugby World Cup, is a timely one.

Head coach Simon Raiwalui has been copping the flak since the team announcement last Tuesday.

The decision to drop veteran Ben Volavola, former All Blacks utility back Seta Tamanivalu and Joseva Tamani have not gone well with certain fans, who have taken to Facebook to vent their anger.

This was done despite the fact that Raiwalui had mentioned that the selection of the players was based on the type of rugby that they want to play at the World Cup in France.

The coach’s call is final because he knows what is best for the team.

This is similar to what the Flying Fijians faced before the 2007 World Cup, when then coach Ilivasi Tabua dropped Rupeni Caucaunibua, who was then regarded as one of the world’s best wingers, from the squad.

Despite public pressure through the newspaper, radio talkback shows and television interviews, Tabua stood his ground.

The gist of his message then during interviews was that “nobody was bigger than the game”.

He, instead, named Vilimoni Delasau and Isoa Neivua of Navosa on the wings. The Fijians marched on to beat Wales in their pool game and qualify for the quarterfinal on merit, where they played eventual winners South Africa, and lost 37-20.

This was after the Flying Fijians fought back from a 20-6 deficit to hold the South Africa 20-20 midway into the second half. That was the best performing Flying Fijians side in any of the World Cups since 1987.

The selection is final and although we all have a right to voice our grievances, the crust of the matter is what difference will it make?

The head coach and the coaching staff have put together a team, which they believe will bring us the much-needed results.

If the team fails to produce the results, then these coaches will answer for it. It’s simple logic, no coach in the world wants to coach a losing team; the same for our coaches, headed by Raiwalui.

Our Flying Fijians deserve better! Let’s put our differences aside and support our team to the end.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj