Former Wallabies fly-half Christian Leali'ifano has praised the performance of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in his first season of Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. Leali'ifano commended Armstrong-Ravula's game control and expressed his belief that the young player has a bright future in Fiji rugby [23bf72a2].
In other rugby news, the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific matches include Moana Pasifika hosting the Highlanders, the Drua facing the Brumbies, Hurricanes vs Waratahs, Rebels vs Blues, Crusaders vs Reds, and Chiefs vs Force [23bf72a2].
The Fiji Rugby Union has publicly apologized to the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team for a four-hour wait outside Sydney Airport [23bf72a2].
In other news, the iTaukei Land Trust Board has received a $4.3 million payment for lease renewals [23bf72a2].
Namosi landowners have expressed frustration and plan to meet with the Minister for Lands [23bf72a2].
Dengue fever and leptospirosis outbreaks have been declared in the West [23bf72a2].
A 21-year-old man has been remanded for an alleged murder in Taveuni [23bf72a2].
A man accused of murdering his wife in Suva has been remanded and the case has been transferred to the High Court [23bf72a2].
Aseri Radrodro has been reinstated as Education Minister [23bf72a2].
The appeal against the acquittal of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho is ongoing [23bf72a2].
Gareth Baber, the National Program Manager for Fiji 7s, discusses upcoming tournaments on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan [23bf72a2].
Leigh Halfpenny, the Welsh rugby union player, will make his long-awaited Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders against the Queensland Reds on Saturday. Halfpenny had torn a pectoral muscle in a pre-season friendly in February but has recovered faster than expected. His return will help boost the defending champions' hopes of reaching the playoffs. He signed a one-year deal with the Crusaders after retiring from international rugby [147b32c7] [308bece0].
The NSW Waratahs suffered a crushing 41-12 defeat against the Hurricanes, leaving their finals hopes in tatters. The loss brings their record to two wins out of ten matches. The coaching staff criticized the team's poor performance in the contact area, tackling, carrying, and speed. The Hurricanes dominated the first half, scoring four tries and securing a 26-0 lead at halftime. Despite late tries from the Waratahs, the result was beyond doubt. The loss leaves the Waratahs in second-last place on the ladder, needing a series of wins to make it into the top eight [308bece0].
Sunday Aryang shackled Helen Housby and the Jamaican shooters starred as West Coast Fever maintained their unbeaten start to the Super Netball season with a 75-59 away win over the NSW Swifts. Fever (4-0) shot at 94 per cent and only conceded 35 penalties. Swifts (2-2) couldn't shut down the supply to Fever shooters Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (60 from 62) and her Jamaican compatriot Shanice Beckford (8/9). Aryang logged 11 deflections and six gains. In a remarkable first half, each team enjoyed a good run after it took almost eight minutes for either side to score successive goals. Fever played an almost perfect first quarter apart from a couple of turnovers, converting all 16 of their centre passes as well as turning all of their interceptions into scores. Down 23-15 at quarter-time, the Swifts ratcheted up their defensive pressure and Sophie Fawns landed her first six Super Shots across the half to give the home side a three-goal lead. The Swifts got within one In the first five minutes of the second half, but Fever then went back into overdrive, outscoring the home team 35-20 for the remainder of the game. [431faf8e].
As Team Fiji prepares for the Paris Olympics in France this year, they attended a church service at Calvary Temple in Samabula this morning. Athletes were present, seeking spiritual blessings to fuel their journey to France. Chef de mission, Sale Sorovaki, says that this is an important aspect of their journey and has thanked the athletes for making it to the church service. The first team to fly out of the country will be the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s side, departing tomorrow morning. Sorovaki adds that the team is in good spirits and anticipates a positive outing in Paris. [aa24d928]