#flying fijians

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Josua Tuisova highlight moment

[guy60660]

Flying Fijians

[superbeans89]

Australia 15 - 22 Fiji!

Grabbing the first upset of the tournament, and their first win over Australia since 1954, the Flying Fijians showed the world what they can do when given the chance.

Dominant, diligent and (mostly) disciplined, they subjected the Wallabies to a Pasifika masterclass, pulling ahead by 14 entire points as time wore on.

The Aussies clawed a try back to reduce that deficit to just 7, adding to the nerves and securing themselves a losing bonus point, but now the Pool has been blown wide open, and Wales’ graduation isn’t so guaranteed, as they need to beat this Australian side - who they historically have trouble with, meanwhile it’s at least a three horse race now, and Georgia will also want a say in their upcoming matches.

Fiji have done the unthinkable, but there’s plenty more to come. Hopefully world rugby will finally give these ‘tier 2’ teams more of the respect they deserve.

[askwhatsforlunch]

Vudi Vakasoso (Fijian Banana Dessert)

Vudi Vakasoso is an indulgent Fijian dessert made with vudi, a type of banana which is not exactly like plantain, but one can make it with just ripe plain bananas, and coconut. I'm cheering on the Flying Fijians in their quarter-final in Marseille today--so will Le Vélodrome, I'm sure-- how wonderful would it be to see them reach the semi-finals (even if I'd wish there was a better balance of the Hemispheres)! And thus, we are enjoying this delicious treat. Happy Sunday!

Ingredients (serves 3):

2 large just ripe (but firm enough bananas)

1/2 lime

6 heaped teaspoons desiccated coconut

1 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons demerara sugar

Cut each banana into 3 chunks, and peel them. Place them in deep, medium skillet. Squeeze lime juice over the bananas, coating them well.

Cut a slit into each banana chunk and fill each with a heaped teaspoon desiccated coconut. Pour in coconut milk, and sprinkle with demerara sugar. Heat over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, about 15 minutes.

Serve Vudi Vakasoso warm.

Fiji vs. Georgia (17-12), Saturday 30th September, 2023, Bordeaux, France

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The Flying Fijians, Fiji's national rugby team, training on a sandy hill. Fijians are known to make the best use of nature when training in the off season. The Fiji rugby team has been in camp at home in the build up to this year's Rugby World Cup to be hosted in France. The showpiece tournament kicks off in September.

[superbeans89]

England 30 - 24 Fiji

The Flying Fijians played their heart out, and despite awkward refereeing situations, they pulled back from a 14 point deficit to match England’s score with just 15 minutes to go.

Penalties went against them however, and an Owen Farrell drop goal put the men in white back ahead. His deliberate knock, five minutes into extra time, was less received, but surprisingly he remained on the pitch, and made enough of a defensive difference to kill the ball, and thus Fiji’s hopes of making their first ever semifinal.

As the remaining home nation team, they won’t find much support from their Celtic cousins, but despite being written off at the start of the tournament, England are semi finalists, and will face either France or South Africa next week. Which will be found out in a few hours.

Fiji captured the hearts of many in their impressive campaign, and arguably deserved to go further still, but it wasn’t to be, and it’s the men in white can rest on their laurels for a while. Odds are this is as far as they go, however.

[superbeans89]

Fiji 23 - 24 Portugal!

Pool play of the World Cup ended with one final twist as Portugal stunned Fiji, winning by a single point.

Drawn 3-3 at halftime, Fiji were far from clinical, making mistakes and giving Os Lobos hope. Things kicked off in the second half with two tries apiece, and a yellow card for Fiji as penance for a high tackle.

It seemed like the game was getting away from Portugal in the dying moments, as Fiji pulled ahead with two penalties, but then Portugal fought back with another converted try, putting them ahead.

Capitalising on mistakes and hungry for a win, Portugal took advantage of every opportunity, and while Fiji did lose, the bonus point means they still qualify for the quarterfinals against England, so it’s not a huge loss in the end.

Pools C and D proved by far the most entertaining, with upsets and unpredictability abound. Those arguing for an expansion of the Six Nations to include Portugal will be able to shout a lot louder now, as Fiji are subject to another surprise loss.

They barely qualified for this World Cup, and now they’ve gotten their first draw and win. To say rugby isn’t on the up in Portugal is clearly a mistake.

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Flying Fijians | Back to their Roots Taveuni