Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is exploring various player combinations in his 28-member squad during the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). In an interview, Byrne noted that the interactions between the forwards and backs are consistently improving.
“This squad is quite small, 28 players is not a large number,” he remarked. “We have our backs and potentially one or two extra, allowing us to experiment with different combinations.”
Byrne acknowledged that the precise dynamics of their combinations as the tournament progresses are still uncertain, emphasizing that it is a work in progress. “We’re navigating through this, giving everyone a chance to contribute. Unlike larger squads, no players are left sidelined,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the challenge against Tonga next Friday, Byrne recognized the significance of the matchup. “Playing in Tonga is akin to facing Fiji in Fiji or Samoa in Samoa. We understand the passionate support for home teams in the Pacific Islands,” he explained. “This will provide a considerable amount of pressure, but it’s crucial for us to remain focused on our objectives amidst the external distractions.”
Tonga’s burly prop Ben Tameifuna will lead the team in their PNC opener against Samoa in Apia, which is a crucial match for both sides.
This Weekend’s Schedule:
Today: 4 PM – Samoa vs Tonga
Sunday: 1 PM – USA vs Canada
Recent Results:
Fiji 42-16 Samoa, Canada 28-55 Japan