Test gate a boon for strapped Fiji

By WYNNE GRAY

When the Fijian rugby squad trained at the Police Academy in Wellington this week, for most of them it was only their second session in a gym.

It was a snapshot of the problems facing Fijian rugby. The island nation has some of the most naturally gifted athletes in world rugby, but does not have the financial, coaching and support structures to compete with the leading countries.

"We went to the gym the other day and it was the second time in such a place for 85 per cent of our guys," coach Mac McCallion said.

"We just have no facilities back home. These guys have a lot of potential, a lot of raw talent. They are very strong in the legs and can run all day, but we lack upper-body conditioning.

"They also need guidance, leadership and technical advice."

Since taking up the job in April, McCallion has identified the major areas of change needed for Fiji to move ahead in international rugby.

He has used fulltime trainer Geoff Fairhurst, who worked with him at Counties Manukau and in Italy, with regular monitoring of all the data about the squad.

They will also get a boost this weekend with the test against the All Blacks in Wellington, a match which is expected to contribute about $300,000 to the Fijian Rugby Union if there is a full house.

While the game is unlikely to be an enjoyable evening for the visitors, the financial windfall will be a long-term boon for the Pacific Island's rugby resources.

"It was a game we could not turn down," McCallion said. "It was only decided about a month ago and there was a bit of criticism, but it is very seldom you would get a benefit like this, with the [New Zealand Rugby Union] gate-takings going to us."

When the International Rugby Board refused to sanction the New Zealand-Pacific Barbarians match allocated for this weekend, Fiji were offered the chance to play instead.

It served several purposes. It meant the All Blacks did not have to go to Fiji for their test later this year, it continued their build-up towards the Tri-Nations, and delivered Fiji a financial bonus.

The money will help to provide training equipment, develop better grounds and increase rugby education in Fiji.

McCallion is convinced the administrative hierarchy in Fiji are serious about advancing the 15-a-side game to the same status as the national sevens squad.

Fiji have had two wins and a defeat in their round of World Cup qualifiers and will be watching closely the result tomorrow of Samoa against Tonga.

If Samoa win, then Fiji will have to beat Tonga next week by five points more than Samoa to qualify first in the triangular series.

That would put them in the World Cup pool with France and Scotland next year. The second qualifiers are bound for the tougher section with South Africa and England.

A week ago Fiji lost at home to Samoa, when their forwards were given a tune-up by the visitors. To try to counter a front-row weakness, McCallion has turned to former test prop Bill Cavubati, who still plays club rugby in Wellington.

"I spoke to him and laid down a few ground rules a while back," McCallion said. "But he did some 150s [sprints] the other day and the boys were impressed with his attitude.

"He is keen, he has size and if he can hold the scrum up, that will help at tighthead."

There is no Marika Vunibaka, who is sidelined for some time after knee surgery; no Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who is not on the same wavelength as the Fiji Rugby Union; and there is some anxiety about the fitness of regular captain Greg Smith.

But there is backline talent in speedster Filimone Delasau and powerful centre Vili Satala, experience in halves Nicky Little and Jacob Rauluni, and a solid set of forwards.

McCallion did not consider saving any players for next week's crucial World Cup qualifier.

"No, no, there is no way we would cotton-wool any of these. We have an obligation to have a decent crack," he said.

McCallion did not chase the coach's job. He was approached during his second season coaching the Viadana club in Italy.

He is elated about joining the club of New Zealand international coaches, and his job is secure until next year's World Cup.

"My coaching style has changed," he said. "These guys are so relaxed you can't be as hard-nosed as you might be here ...

"Mind you, I learned a fair bit of that with Counties. That experience there with the Island boys helped me a lot, and probably sealed this job, too."