The Fiji Times

All clear to play

- By NOA BIUDOLE

AFTER almost a full month of isolation the Flying Fijians are now COVID-19 free.

Returning to the training pitch earlier this week, Fiji head coach Vern Cotter told the Independen­t that he was excited to see his players get back into check as they prepare for the Autumn Nations Cup clash against Georgia this weekend.

“It was a great feeling to see the boys out on the field training, having fun throwing the ball around, even if the temperatur­e was minus four degrees,” Cotter said.

Cotter said they had adhered to protocols, and now given the all clear, were ready to end on a high.

“We have had our stand-down, 14 days of isolation and now we have the opportunit­y to drag something out of the competitio­n.

“We had been building really well for the first match against France, and it is going to take a while to get that dynamic back, but I think it will pick up during the week and we will put in a performanc­e to be proud of, to represent Fijian rugby and the country.”

Cotter said although his first assignment at the helm had been drasticall­y effected by the pandemic, the onus was to bring the positives out.

“It was so disappoint­ing as we were looking forward to getting stuck into this competitio­n, but this is COVID-19, and with it, you don’t look at blaming people.”

With only one game to play, the Flying Fijians are expected to treat this weekend’s match against the

Lelos as a final.

Fiji last played Georgia in last year’s 2019 Rugby World Cup where they ran out victors by 45-10.

The Flying Fijians travel to Scotland today where they meet Georgia at Murrayfiel­d on Saturday at 12 midday (12 mid- night Sunday morning in Fiji).

 ?? Picture: FILE ?? Vern Cotter.
Picture: FILE Vern Cotter.

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