If you watched the Fiji vs Scotland game recently you will have noted that through the shakey camerawork and occasional throw backs to black and white TV, we got to see an all new prematch wardance, which is called the I Bole, and replaces the Cibi.
Fiji did away with their traditional Cibi recently, having replaced it with the new I Bole, which seems to have a lot more energy, and is in fact more fitting for what is about to take place.
The story goes that the original Cibi was first performed on the rugby field back in 1939 for a tour of New Zealand, when then captain Ratu Sir George Cakobau felt that his team should have something to match the Haka of the All Blacks.
It has perhaps been used incorrectly though, as the word Cibi actually means a celebration of victory by warriors, whereas Bole is the acceptance of a challenge. The latter was composed by Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, and is explained as follows.
I’m challenging you to be uprooted, yes, it will be done, let’s turn them up side down. I’m ready, you think I’m afraid of you, you can’t break my defence. You’re only a hen, I’m the rooster, let’s fight and you’ll see. I don’t sleep and will watch you.
My strength can reach the crushing of the waves, I will not be drowned, you think you’ll defeat me by drowning? Your fence is only made of wawamere creapers, It’s easy to untangle. I can uproot you, I can uproot you, yes it will be achieved.
You can watch the Fiji vs Scotland full match again here
Sign In