Source: Radio New Zealand
The Blues and Fijian Drua will in future play for the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy whenever they meet in Super Rugby. PHOTOSPORT
There were few sights in the late 90s more thrilling than Joeli Vidiri in full flight during the early days of Super 12.
The blockbusting winger ignited excitement alongside a superstar Blues team.
Often overshadowed by his wing partner and close friend Jonah Lomu, Vidiri’s impact cannot be understated.
He formed a lethal combination with Lomu, helping propel the Blues to the most feared, exciting, and successful side in the first years of the competition.
But like Lomu, Vidiri battled kidney issues his whole career.
Vidiri against the Cats in 1999. Photosport
His condition forced him into retirement from rugby in 2001 after beginning dialysis treatment. Tragically, Vidiri passed away in California in 2022 at just 48-years-old.
As a tribute to the late legend, the Blues and Drua will play for the Joeli Vidiri Trophy in their round seven Super Rugby clash on Saturday night.
Blues coach Vern Cotter said the side was shown a video package of Vidiri this week, showcasing his sensational career with the franchise.
“It’s always emotional around that stuff. You get to share a little bit more for people that don’t know his life, how he saw things, and the challenges that he went through as a man. It’s just one of those things that it’s about humanity, life, it’s pretty cool.”
Cotter said the Fijian flyer was a generational talent.
“He could play today. He was a a great, great rugby player, the skillset he’s got.”
Vidiri playing for the All Blacks in 1998. Photosport
Vidiri debuted for Counties Manukau in 1994 and the Blues in their inaugural Super Rugby season in 1996.
He scored 43 tries in 61 appearances for the Blues and was a part of a backline that included Lomu, Eroni Clarke and Carlos Spencer.
The sight of a rampaging Vidiri sparked awe in some of the younger players not born when he was at the peak of his powers.
“When we saw the highlights of what he was doing, I think it inspired the players that’ll go out for us this weekend.”
Joeli Vidiri playing for Fiji in 1994. ALAN_LEE
Making his All Blacks debut off the bench in 1998, Vidiri scored with one of his first touches at Eden Park against England.
As part of the inaugural presentation, the Vidiri family will play a central role in match-day proceedings, with a special on-field moment planned to award the trophy.
Cotter said that much like Vidiri, the Drua can be incredibly dangerous if given an inch.
“Just Fiji and rugby. It can be hot and cold during the game. When it’s on, you’ve got to shut them down. You can’t give them any air, otherwise the fire will spread. So it’s just about being structured and well organised.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
