Fan support delights Flying Fijians
Fans turned up in numbers to meet members of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad at Albert Park, Suva, yesterday. Centre Jale Vatubua said the support of the fans was encouraging to them as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup in September. The players, led by captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu took time out to sign autographs, pose for selfies and had photos taken with fans.
Neel Devi came with her Fiji flag and had star players like Semi Radradra and Sam Matavesi signing on it.
Head coach John McKee welcomed the fans and was impressed with their show of support for the team.
Later in the evening the players had time with their families at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
The players are going to continue with their training in Suva before they move to Sigatoka for a session at the sand dunes. The Flying Fijians take on Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand on August 31.
A farewell dinner for the Flying Fijians is set for September 3 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau before they fly out to Japan on September 6.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians as they look ahead to the Tonga test on August 31 in Eden Park, Auckland.
It’s Fiji’s final test before the September 21 Rugby World Cup opener against Australia and coach John McKee’s chance to iron out any niggling issues within a match environment. The players were given time to recuperate last week following a gruelling 2019 Pacific Nations Cup schedule, which was preceded by a two-match series against the Maori All Blacks. The players returned on Friday and were told to re-calibrate their focus towards the objectives in Japan following the team announcement.
Fans, too, got one of the last few chances to meet the team after a morning training session at Albert Park, Suva, yesterday, where the players signed autographs and took selfies. “We know Tonga will bring a lot of physicality. It’s our last game before we play Australia and I think it’s really important that we get our combinations going and work on the things we’re going to do against Australia,” McKee said.
NIGGLING INJURIES
Hooker Sam Matavesi and lock Tevita Cavubati did sit out most of yesterday’s training with minor injuries but McKee said there were no long-term concerns.
“There are a couple of players returning to full training from our PNC and a couple of them are in alternative training but I expect everyone to be in full training next week,” he said.
“It’s a really important week for us next week. It’s our last big block of training before the Rugby World Cup so next week is key to our preparation.”
LOCAL-BASED PLAYERS
Five local-based players have been named in the initial 32-member squad, namely Frank Lomani, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Mosese Voka and Veremalua Vugakoto.
The squad also has 15 World Cup debutants. They include the local-based players plus Kalivati Tawake, Sam Matavesi, Jale Vatubua, Alivereti Veitokani, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Filipo Nakosi, Viliame Mata, Semi Kunatani and Tevita Ratuva. McKee said the local players putting their hand up for selection is a good indication of the work that’s been going on domestically.
“But now that everyone is selected, it’s not about local or overseas players. Everyone’s a Flying Fijian and we’ve talked about the responsibility that comes with selection.”
CHALLENGE
The inclusion of young - and in some cases untested - players will make the experienced players like Vereniki Goneva and Dominiko Waqaniburotu all the more valuable.
The Harlequins-bound Goneva, who recently scored his 21st try against Samoa to become Fiji’s all-time top scorer, said the team understood the expectations on them.
“For me personally, I’ve been around for a long time now and it’s a blessing to return,” the 35-year-old said. “We don’t want to be going there to make up the numbers. We know we have a job to do and we are all looking forward to the challenge.”
Edited by Osea Bola