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MONTPELLIER, France - Rival World Cup coaches John Connolly and Ilie Tabua have both called for island entertainers Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to be rushed into the Super 14 rugby competition.
Connolly and Tabua stressed the urgency needed in aiding development in the Pacific after Fiji showed good
signs but were ultimately outclassed by the Wallabies 55-12 in Montpellier.
Like neighbours Samoa and Tonga, the Fijians' set-pieces let them down dreadfully to expose a lack of combination and coaching resources.
Wallabies coach Connolly felt the three island nations had built a compelling case for admission to an expanded Super 14 through their World Cup form.
Tonga have been the biggest surprise, almost upsetting South Africa (30-25) in Lens, and can achieve a maiden quarter-final with a win over England in Paris on Friday.
Samoa kept the struggling English to 26-22 with 12 minutes left before the defending champions pulled away to win 44-22.
"The island countries are good," Connolly said. "The IRB (International Rugby Board) have got some real issues in what to do with the island countries.
"It can't stay the way it is.
"They need resources, they probably need to play in the Super 14. They need to move on.
"The Super 14 is the first step. It's sitting there. Argentina is sitting there for a Tri-Nations (berth).
"Those things have to be done sooner rather than later.
"(Otherwise) in four years time we'll be having the same discussion."
Fiji mentor Tabua, coached by Connolly at Queensland in the early 1990s, said Super 14 entry and more Tests against Tri-Nations sides Australia, New Zealand and South Africa were crucial.
"The island nations need to be in that competition so we can develop more of our players, Tabua said.
"Two-thirds of our (30-man squad are based overseas). We need to develop more by having a team in the Super 14.
"Australia, NZ and South Africa need to have more games with the Pacific Islands rather than meet them every four years at a World Cup.
"It's only then we can gauge our development moving forward."
Fiji captain Seremaia Bai had a novel build up to the seven-tries-to-two loss, driving eight hours to make the match from his home in Clermont.
Veteran centre Bai had failed to sleep a wink two nights before when his wife gave birth to their third child, Isaiah, at 3am on Saturday morning.
- AAP
