Head coach Mick Byrne says the Flying Fijians are heading back to the drawing board as they finalise preparations for the Pacific Nations Cup, with a renewed focus on breakdown work and ball control.
Byrne told reporters the squad will revisit the systems put in during July, noting progress in the set pieces but stressing the need for cleaner ball retention and better finishing when the team is attacking. He praised the side’s defensive improvement compared with last year, but said converting field position and entries into points remains a priority.
The squad named for the PNC blends youth and experience, and includes Fijian Drua players Isoa Tuwai, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Taniela Rakuro, who could make their Flying Fijians debuts in the tournament opener against Tonga on August 30 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The group will assemble and march into camp this Saturday.
Additional comments and context
– The inclusion of multiple Drua players should help with frontline cohesion and ready-made combinations in scrums, lineouts and phase play, easing the integration of newcomers.
– Practical focus on breakdown technique and ball retention typically reduces opposition turnovers and increases scoring opportunities; emphasizing finishing under pressure will be key against physical island opponents like Tonga.
– Giving potential debutants game time alongside experienced leaders is a sound path for building depth ahead of longer-term goals such as the World Cup cycle.
Suggested items for editors (WordPress)
– Suggested headline: “Byrne: Flying Fijians Return to the Drawing Board, Focus on Breakdown and Ball Control Ahead of PNC”
– Pull quote: “Our breakdown and controlling the ball is something we want to really focus in on.”
– Suggested tags: Fiji rugby, Pacific Nations Cup, Mick Byrne, Flying Fijians, Fijian Drua
– Image idea: Squad training session or the announced group arriving at HFC Bank Stadium with caption noting camp start date.
Brief summary
Mick Byrne has called for a return to core systems as Fiji prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup, prioritising breakdown efficiency and ball control while acknowledging defensive gains. The PNC squad blends youth and experience, includes several Drua players with potential debuts, and will enter camp this Saturday ahead of an August 30 opener with Tonga.
Hopeful note
The mix of proven internationals and hungry newcomers offers both continuity and fresh energy; if the team tightens breakdown work and converts more attacking entries into points, Fiji can build momentum from a strong defensive platform.
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