No one will be like Vidiri: Wilson

A late request from the Fijian Drua to SANZAAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina Rugby) to perform the iBole (traditional cultural challenge) to honour fallen star winger Joeli Vidiri last Saturday night was turned down.

The request was made since the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy was at stake for the fi rst time.

However, the Frank Lomani-captained side performed the iBole in their changing room in front of Vidiri’s close family members.

Former All Blacks star winger Jeff Wilson said Vidiri was a special player.

“It’s sad that we had to lose him early,” he said.

Wilson said Vidiri had a lot of speed taking into consideration that he was a big winger.

“Joeli Vidiri was fast and at one time while playing for Blues he twice chipped the ball gather it to score a try. No player in the world can do that double chip.”

Blues captain Sam Darry hoists the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy.

Photo: Blues

Vidiri played 64 Super 12 games for Blues where he scored 43 tries.

In 2000, he created a record of scoring four tries against the Bulls. Vidiri had a song named after him (Give me hope Joeli), which was popular among the Blues fans.

He was part of the Blues team that won the 1996 and 1997 Super 12 title.

Vidiri played 7 Test matches for the Flying Fijians and 2 Test matches for the All Blacks.

In 2001, he was diagnosed with a kidney illness and died on February 23, 2022 at the age of 48.

Hoisting the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy after their 40-15 win over the Fijian Drua, Blues captain Sam Darry said leading up to the clash, they took time last week to hear about Vidiri and his achievements with their club.

“We talked about Joeli and watched videos of him playing, which was great,” Darry said.