Rugby World Cup: Flair-less displays from Fiji leave fans wanting

In a tournament where the Pacific nations have failed to match previous feats, Fiji have arguably been the biggest disappointment. It begs the question; why do Fiji struggle to convert Sevens supremacy into the 15s game?

While they have been in the pool of death, it is more the manner of the losses rather than the results which will most dishearten fans. After a win over Namibia, they were smashed by the Springboks before barely firing a shot against Samoa.

"It comes down to selection, preparation and the ability of the people running the game," says Wayne Pivac, who coached Fiji from 2004-07. "It is very disappointing because they have gone backwards since 2007."

Pivac says fitness has been an issue. They didn't finish either half against South Africa strongly, while against Samoa they lacked a "spring in their step." He also feels the game plans were wrong, straying too far from the typical Fijian style.

"You have got to build the game around the talent and natural skills at your disposal," says Pivac.

"They didn't play to the style that suits them; it is fine to emphasise discipline and structure but you have to intertwine that with natural Fijian flair."

Sevens guru Gordon Tietjens agrees Fiji got it wrong at this tournament: "They needed to run it more against Samoa - instead of kicking it back to them. Samoa are excellent at ball retention.

"As for South Africa, it was more that they struck the Springboks on a bad day."

Aside from judgement and preparation, Pivac points to deep-rooted disadvantages Fiji have to contend with around funding and equipment.

"Only the provincial teams there have proper scrum machines," explains Pivac, "whereas here it is something players use from 1st XV level. In Fiji they often get by with wooden sleds; with those you can get away with poor body position, but you get found out in a game. Their scrum is often under pressure and it just comes down to fewer years of sustained practice."

The Fijians have plenty of naturally big men who are natural athletes but they can lack upper body strength, compared to the major nations.

"It comes down to training age. Some of them might have spent six months in the gym; our guys have been hitting the weights since they were 15."

There is also the environment. Tier One nations can train with tackle suits on lush grass, allowing full contact training sessions. The Fijians practise on rock hard grounds with no protective gear. Pivac compares it to asking a New Zealand side to train in a carpark without safety gear.

"They train with poor body position hitting rucks and don't want to go to ground, simply because of the situation. Unfortunately those habits are repeated under pressure."

It comes down to money. It costs a lot to lure overseas coaches, run academies and procure equipment.

Says Tietjens: "They will always struggle physically with aspects of the 15-a-side game, but will get more consistent given more opportunities against higher level teams. They had their moments against the All Blacks in Dunedin [in July] but need to deliver an 80-minute package."

Fiji at the World Cup
Played: 23.
Won: 9.
Lost: 14.
Best finish: Quarter-finals in 1987 and 2007.