After an impressive performance at the Rugby World Cup, the Fiji team is set to achieve a first in their history by qualifying for the quarter-finals. With two important victories against Australia and Georgia, and an honorable defeat against Wales, the Fijians showed their immense potential on the field.
Fiji, currently ranked 8th in the World Rugby rankings, have reached the quarter-finals twice in the past. Their first qualification dates back to the 1987 World Cup, during the first edition of the tournament. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by France in this match, despite a remarkable performance. Their second quarter-final qualification came in 2007, but this time they were knocked out by the formidable South Africans, who went on to become world champions.
This year, Fiji are determined to make history by qualifying for the quarter-finals for a third time. With a competitive team despite a limited budget, they managed to surprise the rugby world by beating England in a friendly match before the tournament. This victory was a real springboard for the team, which then showed its strength against several renowned opponents.
The match against Australia will be remembered as a historic victory for Fiji. After 69 years without success against the “Wallabies”, they managed to win thanks to a solid and determined performance. The fourteen points scored by Simione Kuruvoli and Josua Tuisova’s try contributed to this unforgettable victory.
Rugby experts also recognize the value of this Fijian team. Former Australian international Joe Roff praised their disciplined, athletic and consistent play, and predicted they could go very far in the competition. For his part, former Fijian fly-half Waisale Serevi said this team is the best he has ever seen at the World Cup.
The road to the quarter-finals is not yet completely mapped out for Fiji, but they are on the right track. The last group match against Portugal will be decisive to confirm their place in the elimination phase. If all goes well, they could even find themselves facing England in the quarter-finals, a duel which promises to be exciting.
In any case, Fiji have already left their mark on this Rugby World Cup. Their passion, talent and determination have inspired fans around the world and proven that, regardless of their ranking, they are a team capable of competing with the best. So, what does Fiji have in store for the rest of the competition? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: they have already written a page of history that will remain engraved in the annals of rugby.