The head coach of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, Mick Byrne, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects as they gear up for their third Test against Spain on Sunday. This comes on the heels of a significant 24-19 victory over Wales at Principality Stadium, marking the first time Fiji has triumphed over Wales in Cardiff.
In a match that featured a turbulent first half with yellow cards issued to both teams and a red card to center Semi Radradra, Wales initially took the lead in their bid to break a nine-match losing streak. However, the Fijian side demonstrated resilience, rallying in the second half to secure a historic victory.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Byrne stated, “We need to reset ourselves and go again. If we do that, we put ourselves in a good place to build on that for the Ireland week.” He emphasized the value of competing against European teams on their home grounds as a valuable experience for his players.
Byrne expressed his delight for the players, highlighting the effort they have put in, especially for those who had previously struggled at the venue. He acknowledged the performance of Caleb Muntz, the player of the match, who not only scored a try but also successfully converted it alongside four penalties. Byrne noted that Muntz is maturing with each game and made a significant impact on the match.
With a number of newer players stepping up, Byrne remarked on the importance of instilling pride in wearing the Fijian jersey. Looking ahead, he expressed hope for Fiji’s inclusion in the Nations Cup in 2026, anticipating it could serve as an essential preparation phase leading up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji will face Spain at 2 AM on Sunday at the José Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid, followed by their final match against Ireland on November 24.
This victory stands as a testament to the hard work and determination of the Flying Fijians, and it sets a hopeful tone as they look to build on their success in future matches. The commitment to developing young talents like Caleb Muntz suggests a promising future for Fijian rugby on the international stage.
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