We respect Flying Fijians: Hilton

Afull strength Samoan rugby team ran at Albert Park, Suva, yesterday to prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Fiji Airways Flying Fijians at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Saturday. Speaking to SUNsports, Samoa assistant coach Zane Hilton said they have respect for the Fijians and they are aware that they would play an open style of rugby.

“Fiji likes to play an open style and John (McKee) has developed their game,” Hilton said. “Being a well-rounded side we are just excited about playing great oppositions like Fiji and really show what we are made of. “So for us we just need to make sure we maintain possession and to allow ourselves to play our game.”

Hilton said their training session was about introducing the players back to the pattern of game Samoa play and also the need to understand each other. Majority of the Samoan players are based with their clubs in Europe.

“The Pacific Nations Cup is very much the first part of our campaign and then the qualifiers where we are looking to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.”

Hilton said they are fortunate to play quality opposition and for them the Flying Fijians are the strongest team in the competition.

Samoa is captained by former Auckland Blues loosie and now with UK based-club Bristol Chris Vui. He is assisted by Joe Tekori and Paul Perez.

Also in the squad is elusive flrst five eighth Tusi Pisi who is expected to play a crucial role in Samoa’s clash against the Flying Fijians.