Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne expressed enthusiasm for the new pool draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, as it marks a significant departure from the pattern of facing the same opponents year after year. Historically, Fiji has been pitted against Australia and Wales in four consecutive World Cup tournaments. However, the upcoming edition in Australia is set to break this trend.
Byrne highlighted that this change brings a sense of excitement and opportunity for the team. “It’s been good,” he remarked, reflecting on the conclusion of the Australia-Wales cycle. “Fiji have played Australia and Wales over the last couple of World Cups, so it’s good to have a mix of other teams. I think that makes it exciting for us.”
In the pool stage, Fiji will compete against Argentina, Spain, and Canada. Byrne noted that while these teams present familiar challenges, they also offer new opportunities for growth. He specifically mentioned the importance of facing Argentina, one of the top teams, stating, “Of all those teams there in the top six, there’s Ireland, France, and England, and we’ve played France and England and played Ireland last year and France and England this year. And we’ll play the three of those teams next year.”
Looking ahead, Byrne emphasized that Fiji’s lead-up schedule includes matches against several elite nations, which he believes will be instrumental in ensuring the team is fully prepared for the World Cup. This strategic planning aims to maximize Fiji’s potential on the world stage, showcasing their commitment to excellence in rugby.
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