Source: BBC

Rugby makes the Fijian nation stand still.

That is what will happen on Monday morning when a country settles down to watch their rugby heroes face Wales in the World Cup opener in Bordeaux.

Due to the time difference, Fiji’s population of 900,000 on more than 100 inhabited islands will be getting up to watch the journey begin. In any way possible.

“It is a nation that will stand still, especially when it’s a Rugby World Cup,” said Fiji prop Mesake Doge.

“I would imagine in the villages they will be taking their television sets up onto the hills to get reception to watch the game.”

The nation’s productivity might be down even though employers are trying to persuade workers to attend their jobs with the lure of breakfast.

“Pretty much some people won’t go to work and will just be watching the boys perform,” said former Dragons forward Doge.

“For us as Fijians, rugby is such a big occasion. They say rugby can make the nation stand still, so people are looking forward to it.”

The Fijian public will not want to miss this tournament, as the South Sea Islanders aim to at least match their exploits in 1987 and 2007, when they reached the World Cup quarter-finals. And it all starts with Wales.

Rugby and religion

Social media videos of the Fiji players singing on the bus on the way to training in France emphasise the relaxed manner within the camp.

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui outlined what the sport means to the country.

“Rugby is a religion in Fiji,” said Raiwalui.

“Everybody is the coach of Fiji and has an opinion on selection. It’s ingrained in our culture and our people will go to any lengths to watch the games.

“If that means taking the boat to go up to the village or travelling to the city, they will find a way. It is one of the beautiful things about Fiji and how it brings people together.”

Former Wales boss Wayne Pivac was the Fiji head coach between 2004 and 2007.

“There are two main things in Fiji, rugby and religion,” said Pivac.

“Rugby sevens has always been the number one sport in Fiji, followed by 15s, which I think has now caught up.”

Pivac was often “advised” who to pick for Wales by the general public but that was slightly different in Fiji.

“They would never give me direct advice in Fiji, the culture wouldn’t allow that,” said Pivac.

“There’s a hierarchical system, if you like. So there was no way they would come and challenge you on the street. They would come in and respect me and say hello with a smile on their face.

“So I wouldn’t get the ‘advice’ and the ‘help’ I got in Wales. But you knew everyone had an opinion.”

Welshman Gareth Baber guided Fiji to Olympic sevens gold in 2021.

“Rugby is a massive source of national identity and pride. Every Fijian has an opinion on rugby,” said Baber.

“Life is quite humble there and they are communal. Fiji is a beautiful place which is both ridiculous and fantastic at the same time. That’s why people fall in love with it.”