Fijians touch down to loyal World Cup crowd

Eight-year-old Viliame Tuisuva welcomes the Fiji rugby team at Auckland Airport. Photo / Richard Robinson

Crowds turned out at Auckland Airport yesterday to welcome Fiji, the first team to arrive for the Rugby World Cup.

Island songs, chants and a few "woo-hoos" could be heard inside the terminal, as hundreds of supporters cheered outside.

Small children, their cheeks painted blue, ran around excitedly, as the adults danced and waved Fijian flags proudly.

A kapa haka group welcomed the team on stage.

As the doors opened to reveal the team, fans pushed forward, holding up cameras and shouting out their favourite players' names.

Among those was 23-year-old lock Leone Nakarawa.

The Fijian soldier was named in the 30-man squad only after he quit the Republic of Fiji Military Forces so he could get a visa to enter the country.

He spoke to a few fans and signed some autographs, but was not keen to talk to media.

"[I feel] good. I will do my best for Fiji," he said.

Asked how he felt about leaving the military to play rugby in the World Cup, he only smiled and said: "Happy."

Fiji supporter Eroni Waqasokolala travelled to the airport with eight family members to welcome the team.

"I bought a new flat screen TV just to watch their games during the World Cup," he said.

"We decided to come out and meet the team to show them they have support. Hopefully they will do well in the World Cup."

Tui Waqa, 25, said the Fijian community had been waiting for months for the day they could welcome the team.

"It's really good to see everyone here and it's good for the community," Mrs Waqa said.

Fiji's first match will be against Namibia on September 10 in Rotorua.