Fijian conversation by language students

You will be amazed by these students conversation in Fijian

http://youtu.be/lCfxQkeFz6M

Naiyaravoro leaves Tigers for Waratahs

The NSW Waratahs have recruited a 120 kilo winger from the Wests Tigers who, besides having the speed and power required to score Jonah Lomu-like tries, was blessed with the ice-cool nerves and safe hands  needed to deliver a baby.

Imposing 23-year-old Yasawa Islander and Fiji born Taqele Naiyaravoro, who stands 190cm tall and was linked to Cronulla and Canberra before he accepted the Waratah's offer, was recruited by the Wests Tigers from New Zealand two years ago where he played union after a Kiwi talent scout spotted him starring for his school team in Suva.

Naiyaravoro, who had terrorised his opponents in the NRL's second-tier NSW Cup competition, faced fierce competition for a spot on the Wests Tigers wing behind Pat Richards, David Nofoaluma and Marika Koroibete. The club gave him an immediate release on Wednesday to try to break into the Super 15 – a challenge Naiyaravoro will start when he turns up to his first training session on Thursday.

Waratahs winger Matt Carraro was confident another young Naiyaravoro, would receive more support than Nemani Nadolo got at the Waratahs.

Carraro said. “With the coaches who are here I think he can do it a lot faster (than Nadolo). Michael Cheika has a great rugby brain. You’ve got Daryl Gibson … and Nathan Grey as well.

“They are all still quite young and active and can get in at training and show him what needs to be done.”

Osborne for All Blacks?

Shuffling through the airport, his leg In a moon boot, he showed height and strength. He has just got off the long dreaded long flight from their South African Super 15 leg but looked perky - 'Bula' he uttered.

He is so humble to stop and speak to a fellow Fijian. That despite a long journey and a damaged ankle. That pretty much summarises Patrick Osborne - former Victorian.

He might just get a chance to play for the All Blacks in this 2014 test windowand I hope he does as he really deserves it. 

This from the Highlanders.

Osborne, who turns 27 on Saturday, trained with the All Blacks over the past couple of days and it was not simply to make up the numbers.

All Black assistant coach Ian Foster said Osborne was added to the squad for the coaching team to study him and as a possible option to play.

With Charles Piutau out because of a knee injury for a couple of months at least, and Julian Savea also struggling with a knee complaint there was a vacancy for a big strong winger.

''We had a couple of dings out there, a bit of uncertainty with Jules [Savea] and Izzy [fullback Israel Dagg],'' Foster said.

''In our mind we are pretty happy with what Patrick has shown in the last month. We will have a look at making a decision later in the week if we need a replacement or not.''

Local players sometimes join the All Black squad for a couple of days to make up the numbers but Osborne is more than that.

''He is a big strong winger. He has just shown some really nice stuff in the last month, He's shown a lot of power, been good under the high ball, improved on his defence. His instincts near the goal line are pretty good.''

With Ben Smith and Cory Jane starting on the wings last week, the side lacked a bit of size on the flanks but Foster was not faulting the duo.

''I think when you look at Ben and Cory last week we were pretty happy with what they did. It was just a lack of opportunity.

"That was our weakness in our game. If Jules gets banged up, Charles Piutau out, we do like to have a power option.''

 

Mediocrity in Rugby is a sin

Watched the movie Jobs today – what a cool movie with an important lesson for any individual or organisation. Never accept Mediocrity. Martha Graham called mediocrity, the ‘only sin’. Okay here I am all psyched up and imagine my disappointment to see the head line as I logged into Facebook ‘Dere happy with Mini-Pacific games performance’.

We lost the Gold but he’s happy. Right there he’s saying it is okay to be mediocre. No its not.

Most of us live in mediocrity. That is we accept to be in the middle because that’s where most other people are. Our friends are there, school mates are there, work mates are there. In the middle ground where least effort is needed. We are just going with the flow.

With the Fiji Rugby sevens performance in the last 2 years – that’s exactly where we are – at the middle. Fijian Rugby needs to learn that mediocrity is no longer acceptable. It is no longer acceptable to drop the minimum bench press weight for a prop just because they can’t. It is no longer acceptable to have a kicker with goal kicking accuracy of less than 50%.

With the search for a new Sevens coach, debate ensues as to who it should be. Many want a local so communication with the team is clear. Many want someone with experience in sevens such as Serevi. But I say get someone who is passionate about sevens, knows sevens and will not accept Mediocrity.

We don’t want mediocrity. We want excellence. We will not accept anything less.

FRU CEO Baravilala out

6 September 2013

Media Release – Appointment of Executive Chairman

(For Immediate Release)

The Fiji Rugby Union Board has undertaken a review of the operations of the FRU business and intends to implement reforms and improvements to the administration, management and operations of the FRU business during its term.

As a strategic and formal step in that direction, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, the board has decided to exercise its option to end its employment contract with the current Chief Executive Officer, Mr Manasa Baravilala, effective immediately, and advertise this role at the earliest convenience.

In the interim, the Chairman of the FRU shall necessarily assume certain executive responsibilities, as the Executive Chairman of the FRU, until a suitable replacement has been appointed as CEO of the FRU.

I take this opportunity to thank the members of the Rugby Council and all stakeholders for their continued support of the board in its elected mandate to reform the operations of the FRU.

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the FRU Media Officer Talei Mow on Mobile:7071038 or Email:talei.mow@fijirugby.net

Vinaka

Filimone Waqabaca

Chairman

Opinion: What's happened to team spirit?

Brian O'Driscoll is still bitter and resentful after being dropped from the final Lions test against the Wallabies. Gatland had gone for the Welsh pair of Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts and leaving out O'Driscoll in their astounding 41-16 victory.

In a recent Sky Sports interview O'Driscoll voiced his bitterness saying 'Do I resent him?Yeah..'. Pictures after the game shows O'Driscoll enjoying the festivities following that victory with the predominantly Welsh Lions winning team.

What is amazing is that he puts his displeasure of not playing that test over the teams outstanding victory. Its absolutely un-sportsmanlike (if there's such a word). We often get players who think that they are greater than the team. They think it's their right to be playing. The result obviously shows that Gatland had made the right decision.

Rugby players need to understand 'team ideology' and if O'Driscoll a veteran international and captain doesn't then we've got a problem. Players need to realize this and put their priorities right. They are there for the team, not the team for them.

Caucau big hit on Saili

Since returning to New Zealand this well known Fijian player made his presence known, not only for his 2 tries but this big hit on Francis Saili knocking him off the pitch.

Caucau then showed his nicer side by making sure that Saili was okay. His nicer side can also be seen in this different video (Click here).