Former FMF Flying Fijians backline official, Iliesa Tanivula believes Fiji can defeat South Africa in the quarterfinals next week.

He made the comments following the Fijian’s devastating defeat on Wales 36-34 yesterday.

“They played with a lot of commitment and patience, it has been missing from their games for some time but last night they went all out didn’t they,” Tanivula said.

He applauded their forward pack but insisted their defence needed to leave no gaps for the Boks to take advantage.

“Defence stood out but it still leaves room for improvement. The pool games are a total different to the eliminations. They need to go all out and triple the performance from Wales.”

“There was also that interception that led to Wales scoring a try-Fiji can’t afford to do that this time. I felt they lacked the urgency in their attack, they need more depth. There were times when the attack just went too flat.

“The win gave us hope, they made the whole of Fiji happy and I’m sure that that has boosted their preparation for the Boks.

“They wanted to get there, that has always been the goal for the team and now it has happened. They move up from hereon.”

Tanivula applauded wing, Filimoni Delasau and robusting centre, Seru Rabeni on their brilliant performance.

“If they had pt us down in their last games they featured in, against Wales all that was made up. They showed that they really can do it and that they hadn’t lost their touch.”

“It was the whole team-they were just on fire. They played together and stuck together for the full 80 minutes of the game,” Tanivula added.

“The ball retention right through to the urgency to get to the break down-it was simply brilliant. I take my hat off to the boys.”

Fiji takes on South Africa on Wednesday next week. A time and venue is yet to be confirmed.

Fijilive

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