From the Editor-in-Chief’s Desk: Your August 24 Briefing

Bula

IT can. That is the view of Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, who says the 2013 Constitution Review was within the bounds of the law. And despite the view that the Constitution cannot be amended, Ro Jone says there is no harm in testing existing provisions, such as those that require a two-thirds majority in parliament and a referendum. “(If) it doesn’t work, then it justifies an alternative course of action that they can take,” he said. That is the big question on the front page of The Fiji Times on Saturday, August 24.

In the second story on page 1, Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya does not shy away from the controversial issue of the death penalty. Yesterday she reiterated that Fiji needs to send a “loud and clear” message to drug cartels and traffickers outside Fiji’s borders. Although her call for the execution of drug barons has drawn criticism from some quarters, Ms Tabuya is pleased to have stirred things up and got people talking about a scourge that is destroying young and vulnerable people. She said Fiji’s drug problems would plunge the country into a state of hopelessness if the problem is not nipped in the bud.

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Synopsis

What a beauty! What a result! 42-16! That was powerful!

The fans enjoyed this constructive game of rugby, savored the moment and experienced the magic that comes with a winning start.

And what a perfect start it was for the Flying Fijians on a cool and sometimes windy evening in the capital yesterday.

The Laucala Bowl turned up the volume and provided the lung power needed for magical performances on the field.

The carnival atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of 15s rugby!

Manu Samoa started strongly in the first half and had a small 16-15 lead at half time.

However, the stage had already been set earlier in the week.

The previews indicated that this was a confrontation to watch.

The rugby matches between Samoa and Fiji have long been associated with hard knocks, aggression and physical violence!

Either way, they are the hallmark of Pacific rugby.

They define the nature of these battles and have been a major part of our conflicts over the past 100 years.

It is difficult to ignore the history inherent in these tests, which began in 1924.

And they’re not for the faint of heart either!

They combine the basic ingredients of rugby with flair and physicality.

Last night’s confrontation had all the essential ingredients to take the encounter to a very high level.

The hype had reached dizzying heights.

National coach Mick Byrne knew this would not be an easy task.

Skipper and hooker Tevita Ikanivere were ready for a heated affair.

Ultimately, improved defense, a strong defensive line and enthusiastic defenders laid the foundation for a deserved victory.

It was a strong display of running rugby with better structure around the breakdowns, we were enthusiastic in support play and our attacking shape was better coordinated.

The challenge now is to stay focused on the remaining Pacific Nations matches.

Ultimately it’s all about consistency and the fans enjoyed an important victory yesterday.

Byrne had nominated four rookies for the competition.

While the Flying Fijians had many heroes, exciting openside flanker Kitione Salawa easily received the highest plaudits.

He was on fire! He had a dream game at number 7, providing momentum in the back line and combining that with a top performance in tight to produce a dazzling display on a night of classy rugby.

His hat-trick lifted the national team to a high pedestal.

All eyes now turn to the next match against Tonga’s Ikale Tahi in Nuku’alofa on September 6.

Expectations have been met and fans are hoping for a strong season.

We say go Fiji, go!