FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has highlighted the significance of staying focused and maintaining intensity during their bye week as they prepare for their upcoming Pacific Nations Cup match against Tonga.
The match is scheduled to take place on September 6 at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, where Byrne acknowledges the challenge posed by the strong Tonga team. He believes that thorough preparation will be crucial for their success.
“In a bye week, it’s essential to keep that focus. We’ve elevated the intensity in training, and when there’s no specific focus until the end of the week, we need to find alternative ways to bring energy and focus, which we are achieving by increasing training intensity and incorporating some contact this week,” Byrne stated.
The team is also careful in managing player recovery, especially for key players like Selestino Ravutaumada, Temo Mayanavanua, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karuwalevu, who are currently undergoing recovery protocols.
“There’s no benefit in overworking them this week. We need to ensure they stay ready, keep them engaged in hard work and rehabilitation, while also providing the necessary recovery they require,” he explained.
Byrne expressed confidence in his relatively small squad of 28 players to create effective combinations against Tonga.
“Playing Tonga in Tonga is akin to facing Samoa in Samoa or Fiji at home. We understand the kind of atmosphere the fans create in the Pacific Islands, and it’s going to be a good pressure for us. We just need to stay concentrated on our objectives,” Byrne said.
“Focus on getting the job done,” he added.