More Time: Cotter
The Flying Fijians are developing a better performance culture as they gear toward next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. This was revealed yesterday to SUNsports by Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter, after a review of their recent Europe tour.
Speaking from London, Cotter said this would involve the blending together of the experienced Europe-based players and the talented Fijian Drua reps.
“We need to increase our time together to build a strong culture,” he said.
He highlighted there were many positives despite the Flying Fijians losing 12-28 to Scotland and 17-35 to Ireland before they walloped the French Barbarians 46-14 in their final match on tour.
Cotter said one of the positives was the centre combination of Waisea Nayacalevu and Kalaveti Ravouvou.
“New players were put in new positions, like (Vilimoni) Botitu at 10 and (Sireli) Maqala at 15 against good teams.
“They found out the hard way and got things right in the last game. They had better discipline and scored more tries.”
On the discipline issue involving the dishing out of yellow and red cards, Cotter said there was improvement but would continue to work on it.
“But again, discipline still needs our immediate attention and likewise on the improvement of our set piece.”
Cotter said from the tour players that stood out were tighthead prop Luke Tagi, Maqala and Drua halfback Simione Kuruvoli.
Kuruvoli came in as a replacement for Frank Lomani in the Ireland test and scored a try. He started against the French Barbarians and combined well with veteran Ben Volavola at first five eight.