The Fiji Water Flying Fijians showcased their resilience by defeating Spain 33-19 in a thrilling third Test match held at the José Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid, Spain. After trailing behind, Fiji made a strong comeback, though their victory could have been even more convincing had it not been for two tries from hooker Sam Matavesi being disallowed after a TMO review.
The match displayed a back-and-forth dynamic, and head coach Mick Byrne acknowledged areas where his team can improve. He highlighted that Fijian players made several mistakes that allowed Spain to score, but he emphasized the importance of patience and sticking to their game plan, especially after a challenging first half where Fiji was down 7-10 at halftime.
Byrne’s halftime message to the team centered on maintaining composure and focusing on the game strategy, which proved essential as they progressed to the second half. He noted that the players needed to rely on solid possession to secure the win.
Looking ahead, the Flying Fijians are gearing up to face Ireland in their final match of the Autumn Nations Series 2024, set for 3:10 am this Sunday. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for Fiji to build on their recent momentum and address any weaknesses identified in the match against Spain.
As the team prepares for this critical encounter, there is hope that they will harness the lessons learned from their win to challenge a formidable opponent like Ireland, fostering confidence and cohesion within the squad.
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