Brad Johnstone on coaching Fiji for 1999 Rugby World Cup & Fiji's chances at 2019 Rugby World Cup
Channel: Much Of Life
Date: 2019-05-24

Brad Johnstone is widely accepted as the person responsible for reviving Fiji Rugby 15s  in the late 1990s,  particularly in the area of scrummaging & other set play.  In this interview, we ask him about the disparity between Fiji, Samoa & Tonga Rugby vs Tier 1 Nations such as New Zealand, Australia, England, South Africa,  etc.  We reflected on the infamous 1999 Fiji vs France Rugby World Cup Game where referee, Paddy O'Brien had a shocking game. We also discuss great rugby players such as Manasa Bari, Peter Fats Fatialofa, Satala, Nicky Little & others.  Brad Johnstone also discusses Fiji Rugby 7s vs 15s & reflects upon his coaching & playing experience.  




== Brad Johnstone Legacy ==

Brad Johnstone (HOF) was born in 1950 on the North Shore.  He attended Takapuna Grammar where he played in the first XV in 1965/66. In 1971, as a fresh-faced 20-year-old, Johnstone debuted as a loose-head prop for Auckland. Just one year later, he was in the New Zealand Junior team. In 1973, this, ambitious and gutsy team caused a sensation by beating the All Blacks. Johnstone continued to develop as a prop, earning a spot on the North Island team in 1975.
In 1976 Johnstone was selected to play for the All Blacks on their tour of South Africa. 

From 1977 until 1980 he was a regular member of the team, gaining respect as a "compelling scrummager" and for being "extremely mobile with great ball skills". He was an outstanding member of the first All Blacks team to complete the Grand Siam, beating all the home nations in 1978. In total, Johnstone earned 13 caps for New Zealand and played a total of 44 games between 1976-1980. He also captained them on three occasions.

Johnstone continued to play for Auckland throughout his All Black career, playing. 122 matches over a decade. In 1977, like his father before him, he took over the captaincy. During this period he lead his team to Ranfurly Shield glory when Auckland beat North Auckland in 1979. He was captain of Auckland for five years.
Johnstone played for North Shore for a staggering 17 years, from 1969-1986. During this time he played 176 games, scored 10 tries, for a total of 37 points.

After retiring from playing, Johnstone took up coaching. He coached North Shore to two championships before transferring offshore. First stop was Italy, where he coached L'Aquila before moving to Fiji. Under his stewardship, the Fijian national team gave France  an almighty scare in the quarterfinals before going down in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Johnstone was the named top coach of the 1999 World Cup.  He then returned to Italy to coach the team to their first ever win in the Six Nations. He has also had extensive experience in Japan. He is currently President of the North Shore Rugby Football Club.



==1999 Fiji Rugby World Cup Players ==

Alfred Uluinayau; Marika Vunibaka, Viliame Satala, Meli Nakauta or Waisake Sototu, Imanueli Tikomaimakogai; Waisale Serevi or Nicky Little, Jacob Rauluni; Ifereimi Tawake, Setereki Tawake, Kolinio Sewabu, Emori Katalau, Simon Raiwalui, Joeli Veitayaki, Greg Smith (capt), Daniel Rouse