Fun the name of the game

By MATTHEW TORBIT

As the hunt for quarter-final spots heats up, Samoa and Fiji face must-win matches this weekend.

The Herald looks at how rugby fever is affecting our Pacific neighbours.

FIJI

Although the Fijian sporting public are realistic about their chances, that does not hamper the popularity of the contest.

Josaia Wini, sports reporter at the Fiji Daily Post, says the nation comes to a standstill during important games.

He said the entire country erupted with joy when the national side thrashed Japan 41-13 last week. "Everyone was writing off the Fijians before the game, even the Fijians themselves."

Wini expects Fiji to again grind to a halt when the team take on Scotland in Saturday's do-or-die match - the winner progresses to the quarter-finals.

The last time Fiji reached the knock-out stage of the tournament was in the inaugural World Cup, 16 years ago.

Mr Wini said many of the nation's punters were backing the French to win the tournament, ahead of England, Australia and New Zealand.

SAMOA

After the weekend's near-victory over England, Samoans will be glued to their television sets for their own do-or-die clash, against South Africa.

The winner of that game will progress to the quarter-finals.

Understandably, emotions ran hot during Sunday night's big clash in Melbourne.

Samoa Observer sports editor Keni Lesa said even the Almighty took second stage to the divine rugby the national side played against England.

"Let's just say it was the topic of conversation in churches around Samoa on Sunday."

The Samoan public treated the game as a moral victory.

"Now our boys mean business," Lesa said.

During the last tournament, many people watched the games on big screens in parks, he said, but this time the streets would be empty during the South African clash, now that many had access to the games on television.

Although Mr Lesa did not want to speculate, he said if Samoa beat South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday a national holiday would probably be declared to honour the team.

"There would be a massive party. The people here would go nuts."

TONGA

The mood is slightly more sobering in Tonga, where the national side have yet to record a win. Tonight, against Canada, is their last chance.

Matangi Tonga magazine editor Pesi Fonua said that despite this many Tongans were still "crazy" about the tournament.

The games were shown on satellite television and were being screened in several church halls around the island.

Fonua said that despite Tonga's 91-7 loss to the All Blacks last weekend several positives had come out of the game.

"Everyone was relieved that they didn't hit the 100-points mark, and we did at least get one try."