‘Religion and rugby’: Fiji’s victory is more than just a win at the World Cup

They are the all-singing, all-smiling Fijian rugby union team who broke the hearts of the Wallabies in France on Monday morning to carve out their own slice of history: their first victory over Australia in 69 years.

The result may have stunned Australian rugby fans, but the win really wasn’t that surprising with the island nation toppling England for the first time just a month ago.

Fijian coach Simon Raiwalui even warned future opponents what to look out for when Fiji can smell a victory, telling this masthead that “in rugby, a smiling Fijian is a dangerous Fijian”.

The Fijians have been joyous all tournament, and their victory over the Wallabies has put them into second place in Pool C as they aim for their best World Cup run since 2srcsrc7.

Former Fijian international Nemani Nadolo said it wasn’t just a win for the team, it was a victory for a country.

“Every time those boys put on that jersey you can sense there’s a lot more of what they’re playing for than just each other,” Nadolo said.

“It means a lot not only the people on the island, but the rest of us Fijians around the world. Rugby in our country is second to God. It’s religion and rugby, that gives you an understanding of how big the game is back home.

“Representing our people is someth