Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is experimenting with various combinations within his 28-member squad during the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). In an interview, Byrne expressed satisfaction with the synergy developing between the forwards and backs.
Byrne noted that the squad size is relatively small, which allows for flexible player combinations. “We’ve got our backs and we’ve probably got one or two spare backs, so they get a chance in all the combos without having to use that,” he explained.
He acknowledged the uncertainty of how their combinations will evolve throughout the competition but emphasized that it is a work in progress. “We’re just working through that, and everyone’s getting a chance. It’s not like we have four or five players sitting on the sideline not getting used. Everyone’s getting used in such a small squad.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Tonga next Friday, Byrne knows the challenges that await. He stated, “It’s the same playing Fiji in Fiji, playing Samoa in Samoa, playing Tonga in Tonga. We know what the fans are like in the Pacific Islands. They love their home teams.”
He added that the atmosphere will create good pressure for the team and emphasized the importance of staying focused on their objectives amid the external distractions. “The other stuff will just become outside noise. We’re looking forward to that. It’s the same when the people come and play us.”
In other news, Tonga will open their PNC campaign against Samoa in Apia, led by prop Ben Tameifuna as captain. This match is crucial for both teams.
This weekend’s matchups include:
Today: 4pm Samoa vs. Tonga
Sunday: 1pm USA vs. Canada
Results so far show Fiji defeating Samoa 42-16 and Canada losing to Japan 28-55.