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Thu 21 Jul 2011 | 09:53
Fiji's big tackling against Japan results in suspensions

3
Comments

Earlier in the week we had a look at the big hits from the Samoans during their win over Australia, so today here's a look at Fiji against Japan . Unfortunately for the Fijians, things went slightly differently, ending the match with just 12 players.

Many were surprised with Japan's first ever Pacific Nations Cup victory, and while they played well and have improved tremendously over the years, the Fijians self destructed.

Two red cards and three yellows later, Japan were able to score a late bonus point try, that gave them the tournament win. If they hadn't scored that try, Tonga would have claimed the title.

Fiji have since had two players suspended, Sisa Koyamaibole and Waisea Luveniyali. They will not be part of the match against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Friday night.

Number Eight Koyamaibole was given a two week ban for the tackle that earned him a red card, while flyhalf Luyeniyali, who was yellow carded in extra time, has been suspended for four weeks. Seru Rabeni, who was also red carded, escaped a ban.

While the commentary team felt the officials got most things completely wrong, Fiji coach Sam Domoni acknowledged that it was the lack of discipline from his team that lost them the match.

"It's unacceptable. We can't win test matches with 12 men. We can't blame the referees for the calls against us. We will go back to see the footage and review where we went wrong," he said.

Fiji play the All Blacks at Carisbrook, the last Test ever to be held at the famous old stadium, so they know the significance and sense of occasion it carries.

"Playing the All Blacks is like playing in the World Cup -- it only comes around every four years. The guys that are here are looking forward to the challenge tomorrow night. Playing against the All Blacks, you dont need any more motivation, if thats the case then we shouldnt turn up.

"This is a once in a lifetime dream for all of us ... well grab it with both hands and take the opportunity," he said.

Do you agree with the decisions of the officials, or think the commentators are correct?

Time: 04:33

Posted By: Grant Constable

3 Comments

  • stevo1992
    8:15 PM 03/06/2012

    what a ridiculous comment, the player had time to duck and roll? he shouldnt have to duck and roll seen as the opposing player shouldnt be tackling that high. thats like saying you may as well get rid of the high tackling law because the players should just duck. Even saying he should have ducked is showing the player has gone far to high, supporting the fact it was a cardable offense.

  • mendorugger
    5:39 AM 02/06/2012

    I fully appreciate the aggression level, however that type of play needs to be cited often. It seems that islanders are to often permitted to make dangerous tackles with little to no penalty. The commentators would probably have a different view on things had it been them or their mates on the field getting dumped and neck tackled. In our league, islanders get away with bloody murder and the refs hardly doing anything i think for absolute fear that they may not make it back to their cars. the game is plenty physical and insane enough without have to worry about getting head torn off by other guys tackling without caution. thats my two cents

  • jabbawebb
    1:43 PM 27/05/2012

    I know rugby needs to be health and safety conscious but I mean big hits are part of the game, if you can't take/watch them then you shouldn't be a part of the sport :/

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