3/8/2023 0 Comments Cabous van der weshuizenI picked up the bike at Paul’s shop in Arsenal (named after the first French governor of the island, not the football team … Mauritians only support Liverpool and Manchester United) and followed him back to Shangri La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa at Trou d’Eau Douce on the East coast. This time, Paul – having left his job as owner/dealer manager of Harley-Davidson Mauritius to start Revival Customs and Classics – was again able to come up with the goods a BMW F650GS twin fitted with an 800cc motor. ![]() Deep down inside me, though, I hankered to explore Mauritius on an adventure bike. On both previous visits I had ridden on a Harley-Davidson Softail Slim provided by my good mate, Paul Wren, and I had loads of fun frightening dogs and children. Last month I rode the island for the third time. It is, however, a motorcyclist’s paradise. I can confirm that driving in Mauritius is not for the faint-hearted, nor for those who suffer from road rage. There is a popular saying on * Île Maurice* – Mauritius to the rest of us – that when the French administered the island from 1715 to 1810, people drove on the right-hand side of the road when the British took over, they switched to the left and, since independence 50 years ago, they have been driving down the middle …. ![]() (I was a) proud Blues player because of you and thank you for believing in me.Mauritius may be a motorcyclist’s paradise, but it is not for the faint-hearted as Jim Freeman found, reminiscing with old friends while exploring the island driving down the middle lane … "You gave every Fijian player inspiration in making their dreams come true and believing in themselves. "Always beside me and supporting me since my first trial rep team (for) Counties U14. "I remember you gave us tickets to every single game Counties/Blues that you played at home, you always had time for me and how you inspired me so much," Rokocoko wrote. Now based in France, Rokocoko shared an emotional statement on social media, giving a glimpse into just how much Vidiri helped him on his way to a successful career. He followed in the footsteps of his cousin, first making his mark on the wing for the Blues as part of their 2003 Super Rugby winning campaign, before earning 68 caps for the All Blacks. Like Vidiri, Rokocoko was born in Fiji before moving to New Zealand where he ignited the local rugby scene. One of those players was his cousin, Joe Rokocoko. While his impact on the field was well documented, Vidiri made just as big a mark off it as he lit the path for young Fijian rugby players after him. He ultimately retired from the game in 2001 before undergoing what was a life-prolonging kidney transplant in 2015. Vidiri battled a similar kidney disease to that of his late wing partner, which affected his playing ability. Helping the Auckland franchise to back-to-back titles in 1996 and '97, Vidiri earned two caps for the All Blacks in 1998 – replacing Lomu to earn his debut in a test against England at Eden Park. "I have those wonderful memories of Joeli.him flying down the wing and a big smile breaks out on his face," Clarke said. ![]() The backline of those early Blues teams was one to be envied, featuring the likes for Vidiri, Clarke and Jonah Lomu. ![]() It was one of several fond memories the former Blues centre recounted of his teammate, who died on Friday evening at the age of 48, passing on the same day as fellow New Zealand rugby icon Va'aiga Tuigamala, who was 52.īorn in Fiji, Vidiri emerged on the New Zealand rugby scene after settling in South Auckland, playing for Counties Manukau before igniting Super Rugby. "They just couldn't believe how quick he was." "Against the Natal Sharks in the final round of the inaugural Super Rugby season.I remember Cabous van der Westhuizen after the game looked at me and goes, 'How fast is Joeli Vidiri?'" Blues teammate Eroni Clarke recalled to Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine. The size and strength were clear, but it was the speed of the man that really blew opposition players away. Joeli Vidiri's impact on the rugby field was undeniable.Īt six-foot-three and 100kg, he was an imposing figure on the wing for the Blues. Joeli Vidiri was a force on the wing for the Blues.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |