‘Soft Tries’ Anger Cotter
Flying Fijians head coach unhappy with 57 points scored against them
Allowing the All Blacks to score ‘soft tries’ in the first Test at Dunedin was something that disappointed Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter.
“We were very unhappy that we got 57 points scored against us,” Cotter said.
“We felt that we scored three tries and normally when we score three tries against any opposition, it should be close to winning. “It’s because we allowed those soft tries.” Cotter said for the past few days they had a good look at how they can defend that.
And tonight’s second Test in Hamilton, is going to be their biggest challenge.
“The All Blacks have a more powerful pack. They will apply pressure so it’s up to us to get our heads-up and make sure that we defend our line with courage and passion.”
Cotter said veteran lock Leone Nakarawa has been given additional responsibilities by given the captain’s job.
He replaces Levani Botia after the hardhitting center was ruled out due to a knee injury.
“Earlier in the week we knew we had doubts with Botia so we spoke to Leone,” Cotter said.
“He was looking after the line-outs and now he takes on a wider leadership role of the whole team but he does that naturally with his excellent leadership skills.”
Also, it was a special moment for Francebased Eneriko Buliruarua who makes the run-on side after being named on the bench in the first Test.
Buliruarua starts at second five eight and partners Waisea Nayacalevu in the midfield.
Robust forward Peceli Yato makes his cut at number eight relegating Albert Tuisue to the bench.
This is the only change Cotter has made in the forwards.
“Albert sustained a minor injury so did not train fully. Peceli has been given the notch and I know he is a good player.
“I know that Albert will give us something
off the bench because we didn’t get as much as we wanted off the bench in the last match.”
In the backs, Cotter said they would witness more experienced hands with the inclusion of Frank Lomani at halfback while Setareki Tuicuvu starts at right wing replacing Eroni Sau.
“Lomani coming in brings his experience, it looks like we are playing in wet conditions so his experience in terms of when to go forward, stop, kick and control the play will be very important” said Cotter.
“Tuicuvu is very powerful, we know he’s
strong, very quick and he also plays fullback.
“So if there is a bit more kicking in the game, since it will be wet, he has the experience to take the ball if the All Blacks start kicking down the line.
“I feel it’s the strength we need for this game.”
Powerful bench
Cotter has got a powerful bench, consisting of Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto and Tuisue.
Queensland Reds halfback Moses Sorovi and Teti Tela are likely to earn their Test debut off the bench.
“Sorovi is a great player, he is very quick around the rucks and we like what he offers there.
“Mawi and Dolokoto will offer some density to the forward pack and then Manasa Mataele can cover three positions centre, wing and full back.”
Cotter highlighted that the team had worked hard on the weakness especially in the defence which was exposed last Saturday.