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Fiji hopeful on Tests
Fiji Times - Tuesday, November 27, 2007 7:56 AM
FIJI is still hopeful of hosting four international Tests next year as the national team starts its build up for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Apart from Ireland which had turned down the offer to play here in 2008, the Fiji Rugby Union is still awaiting confirmation from world champions South Africa, France, Canada and Argentina.
FRU chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua confirmed yesterday they had written to the five unions.
"Ireland is the only country which has said it won't be coming," Tavanavanua said.
"Apart from that we are still waiting for response from the other teams and we are hopeful of getting a favorable reply.
"Peter Murphy will be holding talks with officials in Canada when he is there next month."
He said the Tests would be a start as Fiji ventured on its preparations for a top four finish in New Zealand in 2011.
Coach Ilivasi Tabua will learn his fate before the end of the year, when his contract ends with the FRU.
Tavanavanua said while he had made his recommendation, the board will have the final say.
"The board will meet and definitely make a decision before the end of the year," Tavanavanua said.
"We have spoken and I am confident that Ilivasi will be given the nod, but the official word will come from the board."
Tavanavanua said the under-20 World Cup to be held in Wales was a major focus for next year.
Despite being pooled with the likes of top seed Australia, England and Canada, the junior Flying Fijians are confident of a good outing.
The side will be coached by Rayne Simpson.
Tavanavanua said the side will follow the same routine which our successful national team did at the recent RWC.
"The under-20 side will have the same environment like the national side," Tavanavanua said.
"We need the youngsters to have the best in preparations and there are a lot of good programs outlined and planned for them."
The U20 RWC structure comprises four pools with the winner of each progressing to have a chance of winning the overall championship title, while the other teams will play for a positional ranking.
Fiji is aiming to finish in the top eight.
Meanwhile, the FRU special general meeting on Saturday in Suva will finalise the calendar for 2008 .
The meeting will see all affiliated unions attend and Tavanavanua said the 2008 fixtures list was the major item on the agenda.
"We will just discuss the 2008 calendar and what and how things have been outlined," Tavanavanua said.
"Apart from that we will have a review of the year and the competitions and the unions will be able to give their inputs.
"This is all just a review and how to do things next year in an improved way."
