The Fijiana 7s rugby team has faced a significant decline in performance, prompting calls for a serious overhaul. Under the previous coach Saiasi Fuli, the team exhibited promising skills, notably defeating Australia 14-12 during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, they stumbled in subsequent games, including narrow losses to top teams. The latest Olympic Games in Paris saw them finish last, losing all matches. Since Ratu Timoci Volavola took over, the team’s struggles have continued, including disappointing results in Dubai and Cape Town.
To address these challenges, there is a plea for the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to conduct a SWOT analysis to identify the root causes of the team’s failures and implement necessary changes.
In other topics, there is a growing sentiment of disappointment regarding the lack of rugby test matches against Fiji by neighboring countries like New Zealand and Australia. Despite Fiji’s long history in rugby, the absence of home games against these opponents is seen as a missed opportunity for recognition and respect.
Additionally, there are discussions surrounding post-election freedoms in Fiji, with observations that some are misusing this newfound liberty to impose personal opinions in lawmaking. Concerns were raised about government practices that remain unchanged, the serious health issue of diabetes, and calls for government action to improve access to medical supplies for diabetic patients.
Other letters highlighted issues of civil servants soliciting donations, high customs charges on received parcels, traffic violations by drivers, and ongoing challenges related to blood shortages at hospitals.
Overall, while the country faces various challenges—from sports to governance and healthcare—there’s an underlying spirit of hope and advocacy for necessary changes that can lead to improvement. Reform, community support, and responsible leadership could pave the way for a brighter future for Fiji.
In summary, to elevate the performance of the Fijiana 7s and grow Fiji’s recognition in international rugby, constructive criticism and action from all stakeholders are essential, along with a focus on enhancing public health measures and responsible governance.
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