Forward with optimism
THE stage is set for an exciting return rugby Test this afternoon. At least it is for Fijian fans, most of whom will be keenly looking forward to another strong effort by the Flying Fijians.
Fiji takes on the might of the New Zealand Maori All Blacks in Rotorua this evening.
The 27-10 win at the national stadium in Suva last weekend has raised expectations for another show-stopping outing today.
National coach John McKee has named a changed lineup from the one that handed the Maori that massive defeat.
A number of key players have been left out to allow more players to have a run as we continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.
Flying Fijians skipper and backrower Dominiko Waqaniburotu is keen to see the team continue its winning ways.
They made a perfect start to their Rugby World Cup campaign, he said, by beating the Kiwis last Saturday.
All that will now have to be left by the wayside as we head into this evening’s clash.
Last weekend’s results do not matter anymore. What matters is how we handle today’s game.
“With so much depth in the squad, all the players are
YOUR SAY ready to give their best shot against any team they play in the coming weeks. We had some injuries in the team and the coach wants to give game time to more players this weekend,” Waqaniburotu said.
Under his leadership, the Flying Fijians recorded a historic 21-14 win over France in Paris during the November tour last year, and that Suva victory.
“I have a very good bunch of players with me. Experienced players such as Vereniki Goneva and Leone Nakarawa have always helped me during our camp and against our opponents.”
Today’s clash is scheduled for 7.35pm at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand.
The national squad will then move on to Japan next week.
Today will no doubt be about seeing how consistent we can be. That would have to be a critical factor.
McKee has strategically engineered a transition in our game.
He’s turned the Flying Fijians into a powerful force, with a touch of the unorthodox.
Consider a powerful platform upfront, with a stable scrum, a strong responsive defensive shape, a strong maul and rucking game, throw in flair, and an exciting offloading game, and you have a package that should frighten a lot of teams.
What’s on offer today is depth as well. The depth we have in the Flying Fijians is exciting.
Tonight McKee has an opportunity to see how much depth and talent we have across key positions.
Preparations have touched on our shapes on attack and defence. It has touched on fitness levels and our platforms upfront to launch attacks from. It really is now up to our team to get things rolling and live up to expectations.
We wish the Flying Fijians the very best tonight, and also all teams competing in the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, Deans competition and in the Farebrother Trophy challenge.