How to be Fijian

It's here! 

Four years since our mighty team once again took OUR trophy back and today it starts all over again.

The first game kicks off tonight with hosts England taking on Fiji. I'm expecting this to be the closest World Cup of all time and can't really pick apart the major teams, England, Ireland, France, Australia and New Zealand. Ireland really should be the best of the northern hemisphere teams and excellent form in the last two seasons plus good travelling support should be enough to see them do well.

However, England will probably be the team to beat. Expect insanely biased refereeing, stadium refereeing (the art of having the stadium video team review every single play over the last 15 minutes in minutiae to find any possible offence and then replay it over and over again until the crowd starts booing and the referee stops the game to get the TMO involved), and the home supports desire to see us lose. They will support all and everyone against us so we'll have next to no support in England.

Tonight is our first opportunity to prevent England winning the trophy. Bear in mind that the dirty tricks campaign England and the World Rugby Board have in place is only just getting started. They've prevented us getting tickets and made us change into our kit on the bus so far. It'll only get worse.

So, today we counter with unbridled support for anyone who plays against England. Today is your chance to support FIJI - also known as The Flying Fijians.

Here are your heroes today: 

1. Campese Ma’afu
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
8. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
9. Nikola Matawalu
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Vereniki Goneva
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
15. Metuisela Talebula
16. Tuapati Talemaitoga
17. Peni Ravai
18. Isei Colati
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Peceli Yato
21. Nemia Kenatale
22. Joshua Matavesi
23. Aseli Tikoirotuma

Get to know their names and cheer them on. No, I don't know them either other than the awesome Nadolo who plays for the Crusaders in Super XV rugby.

Some Fijian words to use today:

Bula - means hello
Au maru - I'm happy (as in I'm happy Fiji have scored a try and are beating England)
Vanuinui vinaka - Good Luck (do not say this to the English, but to your other Fijian friends today)
Bula! with an exclamation mark means Cheers - (say that loads tonight while at the pub cheering our Fijian friends along.)
Vinaka - Thank You
Na turaga oqo e na sauma taucoko - This gentleman will pay for everything (while pointing at an English chap)
Nasa ho gaya - I’m drunk.  - (After the English chaps have paid for all your beer tonight, you can say this. )

Here's the National Anthem which you'll have to sing:

Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of Fiji
As we stand united under noble banner blue
And we honour and defend the cause of freedom ever
Onward march together
God bless Fiji

CHORUS:
For Fiji, ever Fiji, let our voices ring with pride
For Fiji, ever Fiji, her name hail far and wide,
A land of freedom, hope and glory, to endure what ever befall
May God bless Fiji
Forever more!

Blessing grant, oh God of nations, on the isles of Fiji
Shores of golden sand and sunshine, happiness and song
Stand united, we of Fiji, fame and glory ever
Onward march together
God bless Fiji.

If you want to go the full Fijian, you'll also need to wear a Sulu - which is a type of skirt. Both the men and women wear it.



Good luck Fiji. Let's get the RWC off to a great start.