The Australian Schoolboys under-18 rugby team is focused on bouncing back in their second test match against the Fiji Schoolboys after a disappointing 14-26 loss in the first test held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Saturday. This defeat marked the first time Australia has lost to Fiji since 2003, and the team is keen to demonstrate their capabilities in the upcoming match.
Head coach Dan Hawke praised the unique atmosphere in Fiji and noted the challenge of competing against a robust Fijian team. He pointed out that Fiji’s strength is in their counterattacking abilities, with three of their four tries in the first test resulting from such strategies.
Hawke stressed the importance of discipline for his team, advising against becoming too loose in their game plan, which could play into Fiji’s hands. The Australians plan to adjust their approach by eliminating long cut passes, as they observed that the Fijian players capitalized on their speed during the first test.
The Australian team aims to adhere to a structured game plan while minimizing high-risk plays that could benefit their opponents. Hawke also emphasized the need for emotional control on the field, urging his players to reduce unnecessary offloads and avoid kicks not aligned with their strategy.
The second test match is scheduled to take place today at 3 PM at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, where both teams will look to assert their dominance.