Waqa Blake, the center for Vodafone Fiji Bati, emphasizes the need for the team to focus on improving as they prepare for their upcoming 2024 Pacific Championship match against the Cook Islands Aitu this weekend. Reflecting on their recent 10-22 defeat to the Papua New Guinea Kumuls, Blake expressed that their performance was not disappointing but noted they failed to seize critical opportunities during the game.
“I didn’t think we played too bad against the Kumuls; we just didn’t take our chances, and they capitalized on that,” he commented after training earlier this week. Looking ahead, Blake is optimistic about securing a victory against the Aitu but recognizes the importance of enhancing their training and effort.
Blake underscored that the team needs to concentrate on their own performance, recalling a narrow victory against the Aitu last year during the 2023 Pacific Championships, where the Bati won 22-18 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Blake, who hails from Lautoka, made his debut with the national team in 2017 and aims to build on their past experiences as they prepare for the match.