Serevi: Back the boys

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians must demonstrate greater patience and discipline inside the opposition 22-metre area if they are to turn their exciting attacking rugby into victories, according to sevens maestro Waisale Serevi.

At the same time Serevi has called on all Fijians to refrain from profanities and insults being hurled at the team on social media.

“These players and officials have parents, siblings, family members, wives and children who are seeing these things,” he told SUNsports.

“We cannot only support them when they win. These players have families, villages and loved ones who see these comments. Swearing at them and demoralising them does not help anyone.”

Serevi praised the team’s performance despite their defeat to Wales in the Nations Championship in Cardiff saying the players had shown they could match a Tier One nation.

“I want to congratulate coach Senirusi Seruvakula and all the boys on a strong performance. I loved the way they played. They played expansive rugby, using contact, offloads and keeping the ball alive. They were toe-to-toe with Wales for most of the match,” Serevi said.

He urged fans to remain patient and continue supporting the side, reminding them that the team was competing against the world’s best nations.

“This is the first time we are consistently playing Tier One nations. We cannot expect them to win every game. They played really well and people in Fiji need to be patient.”

Serevi said the area most in need of improvement was decision-making inside the opposition 22.

“We have worked hard to get there, broken the line and created opportunities, but we lose the ball. When we reach the 22-metre area, the players need a little more patience and discipline.”

He highlighted a long multi-phase attack that eventually resulted in a try.

“Patience means playing 10 or more phases. That’s when Fiji becomes dangerous because defenders get tired. We had more than seven opportunities to score against Wales but failed to finish them.”

Serevi also referred to two disallowed Fiji tries, saying greater composure near the try line could have changed the outcome.

RWC 2027 build-up

He said the current campaign should be viewed as part of the team’s development for next year’s World Cup

“I would rather we lose now, learn from these matches and become better at the World Cup rather than win now and not improve.”

He also threw his full support behind Seruvakula saying he deserved time to build the squad.

“Senirusi is a good coach and has proved himself. Give him and the players time through these six Test matches before judging them.”

Looking ahead to the clash against England, Serevi described it as a crucial opportunity for the Flying Fijians.

“This is a very important game. England know we are coming off a loss, but this is our chance to show we are capable of competing with Tier One teams.”

Meanwhile, he has welcomed the inclusion of Luke Tagi and Virimi Vakatawa into the Flying Fijians squad.

“We know England’s forwards will be a major challenge because they are very strong but with Tagi coming into the squad and gets the opportunity to play, I believe the scrum will be in good hands.

“Virimi deserves to be in the team. I met him the other day and told him, It’s a long tour with six Tests. Someone could get injured, so keep training. I said the same thing to Mesake Doge- keep training. If they call you, you have to be ready.

“Virimi played exceptionally well against the Barbarians, and if he gets the chance to play against England this Saturday, he’ll add another attacking threat to the Fijian backline.

“Losing Semi Radradra is a big loss and leaves big shoes to fill but with the experience Virimi has from playing Test rugby, he knows what’s required at this level. I believe he’s an excellent replacement.