IWK

Fiji first for Rugby World Cup

Written by IWK Bureau | Aug 27, 2011 3:41:49 AM

Fiji is the first of the 20 teams to arrive into New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup starting in two weeks.

The island nation, ranked 15 in the world, arrive in New Zealand on Monday, September 29, and play their first match against Namibia in Rotorua on Sept 10.

Fiji are in Pool D with Namibia, Samoa, South Afriva and Wales.
With pace and strength in abundance, Fiji could well prove a surprise package at this World Cup.

World Cup Appearances: 5; Last World Cup result: Quarter-finals; Best-ever RWC: Quarter-finals, 1987, 2007; IRB Ranking: 15. Key player: Deacon Manu
Head Coach: Illivasi Tabua.

Fiji will look to build on a strong appearance in the 2007 World Cup. While they are yet to transfer their fantastic 7s record to the 15-a-side game, the Fijians will provide a stern test for teams in Pool D. With pace and strength in abundance, they could well prove a surprise package at this World Cup.

Fiji's first World Cup appearance in 1987 resulted in a quarter-final appearance against France. They had to wait until 2007 to repeat that achievement and bombed in the 1991 tournament, losing all three matches.

They failed to qualify in 1995 after losses to Tonga and Western Samoa, but made the quarter-final playoffs in 1999. Fiji kicked off well in 2003 but didn't manage to progress past the pool stages. In 2007, Fiji won a memorable 38-34 match against Wales to reach the quarter-finals for the second time.

Pool D
Saturday September 10 v Namibia, Rotorua International Stadium (Rotorua)
Saturday September 17 v South Africa, Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington)
Sunday September 25 v Samoa, Eden Park (Auckland)
Sunday October 2 v Wales, Waikato Stadium (Hamilton)

Meanwhile, Rugby New Zealand 2011 yesterday welcomed the decision of the England and Australian Rugby World Cup 2011 teams to include Christchurch in their Tournament itineraries.

“Both teams were due to play matches in Christchurch, but the devastating earthquake of February 22 of course changed those plans so we are grateful that the team are able to do their bit to raise the spirits of the city,” said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden.

England team manager Martin Johnson and several team members will spend time in the city on September 7 ahead of their opening match against Argentina in Dunedin on September 10.

Australia team members will travel from Hanmer Springs on September 28 undertake a variety of community activities prior to flying to Nelson for their match against Russia. This will include a tour of the new Fanzone at Hagley Park, a fund raising lunch and school and hospital visits.

“I thank Martin Johnson and Australian coach Robbie Deans for making team members available for these visits during what is an intense time for any RWC team,” said Mr Snedden.

“But I know they will mean a lot to fans in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury area who should have been looking forward to seven RWC 2011 matches had it not been for the tragic events of just over six months ago.”

The New Zealand team has already announced plans to base themselves in Christchurch from September 17 to 20 ahead of their key pool match against France at Eden Park on September 24.

“The New Zealand Government, the Christchurch City Council, the NZ 2011 Office and many others have worked hard to ensure the people of Canterbury can still share in the excitement of this Tournament. The Hagley Park Fanzone, REAL New Zealand Festival events and now these team visits will I am sure help people feel a real part of this fantastic six week celebration that is nearly upon us.”

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says, "It was very disappointing to lose our matches, but Cantabrians are still getting into the spirit of Rugby World Cup 2011 and these team visits will certainly help them to feel part of the hype. We look forward to welcoming members from both the England and Australian teams to the Garden City."