Flying Fijians Map out Areas of Concern before Tonight’s Final Test
Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter is impressed with the work rate the team displayed last Saturday, and plans are being mapped out strategy wise, raising the bar to another level as coach Cotter sets focus on a more competitive match-up this weekend.
The Flying Fijians exceeded expectation when they took to the ground, considering a disjointed preparation heading to their first match with very little time together.
Coach Cotter felt a whole different spirit within the team, a sign he mentioned as a feeling of strength and Unity in a trying time.
“I felt that strong sign of strength and unity from our boys, they competed well at the breakdown and they were well structured with their set piece, but in the last 20 minutes we just run out of steam,” said Cotter.
Cotter was well impressed with what he witnessed as the Flying Fijians dismantle the mighty All Blacks game rhythm, targeting them at breakdowns and capitalising on it.
“That’s was some really positive signs, as we slowed the All Blacks down and they expected to play undercover, and the Flying Fijians did a really good job at going in and disrupting and stealing ball and that was important in stopping the All Blacks flow,” said Cotter.
“There are some very positive things from the last game that we’re happy with and things that we need to work on to became more competitive for our next game this weekend,” Cotter added.
INJURY UPDATE
Cotter has confirmed that Eroni
“We’re looking at ways where we can surprise them”
Sau will miss the second test due to an injury he sustained, while there’s still a fifty-fifty chance for Flying Fijians captain Botia due a minor injury also.
“Botia we think the sore knee is a fifty-fifty since its a knee strain, so we’ll send him to the MRI just to check wether there’s damage to his ligaments cartilage structurally, he twisted it slightly in the game so we’re hoping the injuries will be minor so he’ll be able to take the field this Saturday,” said Cotter.
Cotter added that the game was a pretty intense one for both teams, and they’re going to monitor a few bruises within the forwards especially the backrows.
“We’ll assess the injury as they’re at the moment and see if there’s a need to rotate the team strategically or due to the injuries,” added Cotter.
ARRIVING PLAYERS
Cotter is pleased that the three Australian based players, Frank Lomani, Moses Sorovi and Teti Tela have arrived into camp.
Their inclusion gives the coaching team to consider more options for the second test match tonight.
LAYING STRUCTURE HEADING TO THE SECOND TEST MATCH
Coach Cotter knows there’s room for improvements heading to this second test match.
“We’re happy with the effort but there are certain parts that wasn’t quite polished well, which is understandable because we’re haven’t played together and it was our first test match for this year,” said Cotter.
Cotter is looking at orchestrating a improved set piece to stretch the Kiwi defence.
“Once again, we need to get better at that, and set piece is something we’re looking to build up on, we’re winning line-outs and we need to defend line-outs,” said Cotter.
Cotter knows that “maintaining and playing rugby at a higher level” is something the flying Fijians will work on, every coach understands the importance of being well composed at such level for the full 80 minutes.
Conceding penalties was a factor that opened up opportunities for the All Blacks to capitalised on and coach Cotter “knows the need to be a bit disciplined, as there were some penalties that costs us,” said Cotter.
Defending the line outs was also a bit of concern for coach Cotter as he explains that high standards are being set in place within all areas for players to improve on.
“We need to look at defending our driven line-outs as we took some soft tries from driven line-outs, we set high standards with these specific areas so generally we’ll have to improve.”
The Flying Fijians should be expecting a tough comeback at the breakdown looking at how the they dominated at this area last week.
“They will counter our ruck play so we’ll be expecting them to be more physical at these areas, and we’re physically prepared for that,” said Cotter.
“We’re looking at ways where we can surprise them,” he added.
A different environment might slightly differ our game-play strategy while taking into consideration the wet Hamilton environment.
“Last week we were able to counter attack and use the ball, and they’ll need to be more strategic within these areas when playing in different conditions,” said Cotter.
COTTERS TAKE ON THE HALVES
There’s a lot of strategy kicking coming in from the halves and lot of responsibility will be put on them. Cotter shared that the game was a bit more difficult when Simi left the field.
“Seta did very well but a lot of responsibility went to Ben, so we’ll to take some of the pressure off them with some of the alternatives in our game,” added Cotter.
One of the alternatives is having an open discussion meeting with coaching managements and teams.
“Our meeting this morning was a bit of a discussion as each players shared their views on which part they saw needed to be improved and how we can work on that, added Cotter.
ENERGY IN CAMP LEADING UP TO SEND TEST
“We’re positively looking forward to this week in Hamilton to play our second test against the All Blacks,” he said.
“Considering that none of these players have played against the All Blacks and there’s now an opportunity to play their second game and test themselves.
“This was a great game to measure ourselves we’ve worked hard with very little time, but now where we stand and what specific part we should work on.
“Building slowing, doing reviews, looking at things that needs improvements.”