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Auckland's Fijian community was in celebration mode yesterday after their team scored a historic victory over Wales to advance to the quarter-finals of the rugby World Cup.
The nailbiting 38-34 win over one of rugby union's most established senior nations meant Fiji are in the cup's last eight
for the first time in 20 years.
It also kept the flag flying for the Pacific Island nations after the departure of Tonga with a 20-36 defeat to England on Saturday.
Yesterday morning's game was one to remember for Fiji supporter Johnny Ali and his 10-year-old daughter Shayza. The pair tuned in towards the end, when the game was see-sawing between the two teams.
"It was really great to see they didn't actually move backwards, they kept going forward and they did their best - they gave whatever they had just to bring the victory home to Fiji," Mr Ali said.
He admitted that before the game he had no expectations of the team advancing to the quarters. But, after watching them play yesterday, the automotive technician is convinced they can go further.
"Absolutely, with all encouragement and support, who knows what they can achieve?"
Even Shayza, who is New Zealand-born and supports only the All Blacks, really got into the game, he said.
On a posting on a website for the Auckland Fiji community, Kaiindia said it was a great game.
"After drinking grog all night and waiting in anticipation for the game to finish, my heart was pounding like a mad bull. Well worth it. Now South Africa, here we come."
Site administrator Losalini called it the most thrilling game of the tournament. "Looking forward to the quarter-finals when Fiji will surely rock South Africa!"
In Suva, joyous fans set off fireworks and blasted horns after the win.
Sports Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi described the victory as an overnight marketing success for Fiji, whose economy has taken a dive since Laisenia Qarase's government was ousted in a military coup last December.
"I like to keep sports and politics separate, but there's no doubt Fiji's performance is good publicity for the country," he said.
Mr Qarase, the deposed prime minister, said the win was temporary relief from living under the shadow of a military regime.
"It's one brief moment of happiness in a very difficult environment."
Sitiveni Rabuka, a former Fiji prime minister and prop for the national side between 1970 and 1977, said the team defended well and their discipline had improved.
"I hope Fiji's success will lift the standard of rugby in the country and give our upcoming rugby players opportunities to play overseas.
"The cup's over in three weeks and it'll be back to reality. Whether our success has any impact on the country long term remains to be seen."
Fiji face the South Africans in Marseille next weekend.
- additional reporting AFP
