Cotter rates Tonga
VODAFONE Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter has rated Ikale Tahi Tonga highly for the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup following the inclusion of some former All Blacks representatives.
Tonga will have the inclusion of star players such as Israel Folau, Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Augustine Pulu for the PNC which kicks off in Suva next week.
This is following changes to the laws by World Rugby which allows players a three year stand down period to become eligible for their country of birth.
The Flying Fijians will face Tonga in their first match at 3.30pm next Saturday.
Cotter said Tonga will be buoyed by the inclusion of their ex All Blacks,
“So Fekitoa is there and Piutau is there,” he said.
“There are some good players like Folau. I think it gives these players an opportunity to play for their country of birth.
“They will be role models and will be able to share their professional experience with other players to help them grow faster into the international game.
“It will become more competitive and that is what World Rugby wants.
“They want the Pacific Island teams to be more and this enables that.”
Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians squad and team management spent down time at the Sleeping Giant Zipline in Nadi yesterday.
They enjoyed themselves on the ziplines over the waterfalls and streams surrounded by lush jungle foliage at Sabeto.
Cotter said everyone enjoyed the afternoon out.
He said it was a skill to have the ability to do the hard yards, then have some down time before switching back to serious training.
“We appreciate the down time together because we worked hard,” Cotter said.
“They have the down time now before we relax and get back to work tomorrow (today).
“They have been good. It is a skill to work hard then go for a downtime and switch back to hard work.
“We want to make sure that we can come in and go out and then come back in, that we are as effective at training.”