Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is exploring various combinations within his 28-member squad during the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). In an interview, Byrne mentioned that the interactions between the forwards and backs are consistently improving.
“It’s a small squad; 28 players isn’t a large number,” he explained, highlighting the inclusion of one or two additional backs, allowing flexibility in combinations without overextending the lineup.
Byrne expressed uncertainty about the final combinations as the tournament progresses, emphasizing that the process is ongoing. “Everyone is getting a chance; no player is sidelined without being utilized,” he stated, noting the advantage of having a compact team.
As Fiji prepares to face Tonga next Friday, Byrne acknowledged the challenge, drawing parallels to past encounters. “Playing Fiji in Fiji, Samoa in Samoa, and Tonga in Tonga offers its own unique challenges,” he remarked, recognizing the passionate support that home teams receive in the Pacific Islands.
“This will create a significant pressure for us, and we need to remain focused on our objectives despite any distractions,” he added, expressing eagerness for the upcoming match.
In related news, Tonga will be captained by prop Ben Tameifuna in their PNC opener against Samoa in Apia, a critical match for both teams.
Upcoming Matches:
Today: 4pm Samoa vs. Tonga
Sunday: 1pm USA vs. Canada
Recent Results:
Fiji 42 – 16 Samoa
Canada 28 – 55 Japan