FRU Tells: Jersey ROW

■ Vern Cotter on why Fijians opted for clean jersey

Head coach Vern Cotter clarified why the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians did not wear the Vaccinate Fiji jersey in their Test match against the All Blacks, saying it’s ‘a delicate subject.’

And Fiji Rugby Union yesterday said they would decide how best to promote the Vaccinate Fiji message in this Saturday’s Test match in Hamilton.

FRU released a statement last Friday on the special jersey to

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians displayed great performance despite going down 23-57 to the All Blacks on Saturday night.

And head coach Vern Cotter, couldn’t be more than happy with their bravery given a short preparation time.

“We are really happy with the effort, they really put themselves around the park, and they never gave up. It is a performance we can build on. Because it showed great determination, physicality and a few smarts,” he said.

“When we look at how much we gave the All Blacks, we got the exit properly in the first half.

“We did give away a couple of penalties we could have avoided, we can progress rapidly.”

The Flying Fijians held the All Blacks 21-11 at halftime and Cotter indicated they need to improve on certain areas.

“We need to score again, we need to validate those parts of the game where we were doing well.

“When you score you need to get up and go back to your half and kick out and get down and a couple of times we didn’t as much as we’d like to have.

“It was clear for everybody we can play well at the breakdown.”

Comments on captaincy

“Right from Semi Radradra back in November, Levani Botia was a natural leader.

“As soon as he was named earlier on, he has done a great job. We got new caps last night and he was leading with great example, reassuring those players.”

Cotter added that the lack of halfback in the team is a setback. When Simione Kuruvoli was substitute by Setareki Tuicuvu who usually play at fullback as halfbacks, Frank Lomani, Mosese Sorovi and first five eighth, Teti Teal are still in Australia.

“As soon as we lost the halfback, we lost a little bit of shape as well. It was unfortunate that we have a fullback that had to go in as halfback.

Botia on performance

“I am proud of the boys for a great job today, we still fighting until the

end. We have so many things to improve on as players to come back next week. “

Photo: Rugby Heaven TEST No. 10s SWAP JERSEYS... Fiji Airways Flying Fijian Ben Volavola and his All Blacks counterpart Beauden Barrett swapped jerseys after the Test match in Dunedin on July 10, 2021.

Photo: FRU Media Fiji Airways Flying Fijians fullback Kini Murimurivalu (left) and All Blacks winger, Sevu Reece share a light moment after their Test match on July 10, 2021 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.

Photo: FRU Media Fiji Airways Flying Fijians halfback, Simione Kuruvoli spins a pass during their Test against the All Blacks at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, on July 10, 2021.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians captain, Levani Botia.