Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is looking forward to a strong start from his team as they prepare to face Scotland on Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This match follows a narrow defeat against the Wallabies, where Fiji lost 18-21 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Byrne acknowledged the challenges presented by a lack of match fitness, as many players had not played for approximately five weeks prior to the match against Australia. However, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance in the latter stages of that game, particularly after they made necessary adjustments. “We are a bit slow out of the blocks. We had a short week and we took a few minutes to get comfortable in that game,” he stated upon arrival at Nadi International Airport.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of a fast start against Scotland, aiming to build on their training momentum from the previous week. “Having had a week together last week and now this week, I think we’ll be in good shape at the start of the game,” he said. The team is eager to rectify their performance, with their first training session back home scheduled for today, where they will conduct a review of the Wallabies match.
Byrne’s pride was evident as he reflected on how the team rebounded in the second half against Australia, and he believes similar resolve will aid them against Scotland. “We really want to get back into it after the weekend. When you have a loss like that, you are desperate to get back on the field,” he remarked, expressing excitement for the upcoming home test.
As the Flying Fijians gear up for this challenge, fans can look forward to an exciting match atmosphere. Historically, Fiji has had success against Scotland in their home stadium, having previously won notable encounters in 1998 and 2017. The match against Scotland holds great significance not only for the players but also for the community, as it celebrates Fiji’s rich sporting heritage.
Fans are urged to support their team, creating a vibrant environment in the stands. With ticket options ranging from $15 for children to $150 for platinum seating, there is accessibility for families and rugby enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, this match against Scotland represents a pivotal opportunity for the Flying Fijians to showcase their skills and resilience, fostering hope and excitement among their supporters as they strive for victory on home turf.
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