Maintain Discipline
Former Rugby League star tasked to transform Flying Fijians defence
Discipline is a major area the Vodafone Flying Fijians are working on before they take on the Australian Wallabies in a Test clash at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Flying Fijians captain, Akapusi Qera said the Wallabies have good kickers who easily could convert those penalties into points. The veteran forward also pointed out that on the other hand by being disciplined helps them to stay focused and utilise those points scoring opportunities as well.
“For us our main goal is discipline and to play our own game, our Fijian style that we are wellknown for,” Qera said.
He went on to point out that the weather conditions should not be an excuse for the team as they are in Melbourne to do a job which they aim to complete at a high note.
NEW DEFENCE COACH
Flying Fijians head coach John McKee has hired Brumbies defence Peter Ryan to work with conditioning gurus Damian Marsh and John Pryor. McKee believes the addition of Ryan— the dual-code star who won premierships with Brisbane Broncos and the Brumbies— will transform Fiji’s defence, while Marsh and Pryor will have them fitter than ever to run rivals ragged with their signature attacking flair.
“That for us is massive, that’s a world-class team of coaches,” McKee said.
“They’re tracking players, making sure they’re making incremental gains so that by the time the World Cup comes around they’ll be humming.
“Ryan joined us in Melbourne as our defence coach and he will make a big difference. He will be involved through the World Cup. I’m pretty confident, with these people coming on board.” Ryan takes over from former Flying Fijian captain Mosese Rauluni who was the defence coach at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
FACT FILE
Ryan’s playing career launched with the Brisbane Broncos from 1989 to 1999. He was a part of four grand finals winning teams in Brisbane, and played a key role on the 1993 and 1997 squads.
He also played State of Origin in 1997 and 1998.
Ryan then brought his talents to the Brumbies, playing in two grand finals in 2001 and 2002, and was a vital component of the 2001 premiers against the Sharks. While he most often took the field as a No.8, his natural and preferred position, he occasionally found himself lined up as a blindside flanker throughout his career.