Rugby World Cup: 'God bless the All Blacks'

The people of tiny Nadroumai in Fiji are proud of All Black Waisake Naholo, for taking the name of their village to the world.

And it seems more of the world is coming to Nadroumai, in Nadroga, after Naholo's uncle has been credited by some with a "miracle cure" which enabled the brilliant Highlanders wing to take his place in the World Cup tournament.

The story is well known by now. After breaking his leg on test debut in July, Naholo - who had used traditional Fijian healing methods on injuries twice before - headed home where his uncle Isei Naiova applied kawakawarau leaves to the broken fibula for four days. Dr Naiova and his brother Josateki, known as Dr Joe, are said to have a gift for healing carried down through many generations of the family.

Western-style medical people may be sceptical, while also acknowledging the power of positive thinking. Naholo's injury was described as a very fine crack but he will still beat the predicted three-month recovery time by a couple of weeks when he plays against Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday morning.

Dr Naiova's wife Mosimani told the Herald: "We are very proud of Waisake. He is the only son in the village who has made our name known around the world."

She said there had been many more visitors seeking medical help since publicity around Naholo's treatment. They included everyone from tourists to a player with a broken collarbone from a touring women's hockey team from New Zealand. She said the brothers were dispensing their traditional massage treatment on 10 or more people a day, without charge.

"But if they are healed and they want to leave something we can take it," she said.

She said the village was very excited about the upcoming game featuring Naholo.

"God bless you all, and God bless the All Blacks," she said.

Naholo's father Aporosa, a minister, will return to the village on Friday from the South Pacific Bible College in Suva, having already watched Fiji play Wales in the wee hours of Friday morning.

Before playing in the Super Rugby final this season, Naholo sent his parents money to buy a big screen television. So many people from the village - of about 50 homes - turned up for the final they had to crowd into the garden with the television perched on the porch.

Fiji One carries the World Cup games live but Mr Naholo - the only villager with Sky TV - is expecting more guests on Saturday morning.

"I don't think we will get so many people this time because it is early in the morning," he said.

"Almost every house in the village has access to the rugby, but people tell me they would like to come over because we have the big screen with a clear picture.

"I am hoping Waisake calls today or tomorrow, so I can encourage him. The people are looking up to him, from the nation and the village. They are hoping he does not let our nation and the country he now represents down."

If Fiji were to play the All Blacks, who would Aporosa Naholo cheer for?

"When Fiji plays, I support Fiji, and when the All Blacks play, I support the All Blacks. I would always support my son's team first," he said.