JASON SMITH is a huge Vancouver Canucks hockey fan and has been one for over two decades.
But the season ticket holder will trade being a hockey fan for the next 2 weeks over the love of rugby and the Flying Fijians team.
The Canuck is leaving for the Rugby World Cup on Monday to be in the audience for the all-important match against Wales next Wednesday at the Oita Bank Dome in Japan.
“I have always loved the sport of rugby”, he said. “I’m an Island boy myself, that is Victoria, BC, I have played rugby”.
Smith has been planning for the trip for two years, said it was all about the opportunity.
“I have a deep love for Fiji men’s sevens team and that is what drew me to follow the Flying Fijians team, so naturally I’ve followed them both”.
“I couldn’t be there for Fiji’s last three games, I’m going for 2 weeks so that tells you that I will be hunkered down for Fiji to go beyond the pool stages.
“I was a bit saddened with Australia and Uruguay loss. Fiji should have played by the ear, and not taken Uruguay lightly, that loss hurt”.
Smith says the team needs to make a bold statement by playing their best game against Wales, added, on any given day any team is beatable.
“Fiji needs to get ruthless form the get go. You bet I will be in the stands ready to support the team”.
Wales won both its game, 43-14 against Georgia and 29-25 over Australia.
“I promise not to blink for the 80-minute duration. Win or lose I will forever be a Flying Fijians fan”.
Smith’s favourite player is Semi Radradra.
