Carpenters Motors signs deal with FRU

FRU official Ilaitia Tuisese and Carpenters Motors general manager Roger Powell shake hands during the signing of the deal in Suva. Photo: FRU

Another milestone for the Fiji Rugby Union as they signed a five year sponsorship deal with one of Fiji’s largest and most successful automotive enterprises Carpenters Motors on Tuesday.

Carpenters Motors has become the “Official Vehicle Provider” for 2013 – 2017. The value of the sponsorship wasn’t revealed today, but whilst the vehicles that will be supplied are from the Hyundai franchise, this sponsorship will be paid for by Carpenters Motors and not the Hyundai Motor Company.

Do Flying Fijians have a chance in 2015?

The William Webb-Ellis Cup

Two years off from the England Rugby World Cup, is Fiji a serious contender to hoist the coveted William Webb-Ellis Cup?

The Flying Fijians made it to the quarterfinals in the inaugural tournament hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987; repeating the feat in sixth tournament in 2007 in France.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Manasa Baravilala believes if all the systems and mechanism were put in place for preparation, Fiji has a slight chance of winning the 2019 international showcase in Japan.

“We need to get our high performance structure going for about 10-15 years before we’re realistic about our chances,” Mr Baravilala said.

He said the FRU had the vision to one day win the Rugby World Cup.

England conquer the French

English centre Manu Tuilagi had the better of French counterpart Mathieu Bastareaud in their positional war. Photo: Planet Rugby

France were transformed from the sluggish side that were abysmal against Wales a fortnight ago – aggressive at the breakdown and benefiting from moving Wesley Fofana back into the centre after his ill-fated stint on the wing.

England were more clinical in the second-half and gained the lead thanks to a fortuitous try from Tuilagi, who enjoyed an excellent afternoon against his French counterpart Mathieu Bastareaud.

A brutally physical clash worth of its affectionate title, saw frequent crunching tackles whilst the scrum was a contest initially dominated by France, before England gained parity as the match progressed.

Baa-baas to host Fiji at Twickenham

Isa Nacewa could be playing against Fiji. Photo: Huw Evans Picture Agency

The Barbarians are set to return to Twickenham next season for an eagerly awaited clash with Fiji on November 30.

One of the most celebrated matches ever played by the Barbarians took place in 1970 when Fiji shocked the rugby world by beating a star-studded Barbarians team containing legendary names such as Edwards, Duckham, Bennett, Slattery and JPR Williams 29-9.

Now two of the most attack-orientated teams in the game are set for a rematch.

Speaking about the shared history of the two sides, Barbarians’ president, Micky Steele-Bodger, said playing Fiji was always a great occasion.

“The Barbarians have always had a special affection for Fiji’s rugby and its players,” he explained.

‘Tahs go with Volavola

Lacing up . . . Ben Volavola laces up his shoes for practise. Photo: Planet Rugby

Coach Michael Cheika has backed 22-year-old newcomer Ben Volavola to unleash an exciting Waratahs backline against the Crusaders on Thursday.

The uncapped Southern Districts fly-half will line up against Dan Carter in the Waratahs’ first home match of the new season and the final trial before the Super Rugby season begins.

The game shaping up to be a brutal trans-Tasman encounter pitting twelve Wallabies against ten All Blacks but the head coach says he had no doubts about starting the youngster.

“You don’t get experience if you don’t play,” said Cheika.

Ratumuri was a Great Player: Tikoisuva

Kata Ratumuri, centre back, poses with the Suva team. Photo: FRU

Every coach for any sport always faces the dilemma of picking the best players for his team whether it is hockey, netball or rugby. He also has to justify to the national selectors why these players are the best to be in the national team.

When the best players have been chosen, the nation then looks upon these national teams to bring glory to the country without any excuses and anything but a win is what the nation wants.

The coach is faced with the full brunt of the criticisms if the team loses and is treated like a King when the team wins.

Treu: Players must enjoy every moment of win

Boks celebrate win after two years of waiting. Photo: IRB

Paul Treu was delighted as his South Africa Sevens side won a second title in three years at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

Following a 40-21 victory against Series leaders New Zealand in the USA Sevens final, Treu and his players shed tears of joy after the final whistle.

“We haven’t had this feeling for a while now, it’s a while since we last won a Cup, so this is well deserved,” said Treu.