Fiji Water Flying Fijians fly-half Caleb Muntz delivered an outstanding performance during the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup final, leading his team to a 41-17 victory over host nation Japan, which marked their sixth consecutive title win.
At just 24 years old, Muntz shone as a pivotal player in the final and was recognized as the Player of the Tournament for his remarkable contributions.
Despite possessing limited experience with only nine Tests to his name, Muntz showcased remarkable poise throughout the match. His contributions included seven successful goal kicks, 11 carries, and 10 tackles, illustrating his versatility and impact on the field. Muntz played an essential role in his team’s late-game scoring surge that secured the dominant win.
In a post-match interview with RugbyPass media, Muntz attributed the team’s success to their focus on fitness and their improved ability to finish games. He acknowledged that, historically, they struggled to maintain their performance in the second half, but their commitment to enhancing fitness has borne fruit.
“For the last couple of years, particularly since I’ve joined the team, we have been keen on our fitness; being able to close out games,” he stated. “I think we are now seeing the benefits of the hard work we’ve put in over recent years.”
Muntz noted that throughout the tournament, the team had often been stronger in the second half rather than the first. He also addressed the challenge of facing a strong Japanese team that had been scoring an average of 48 points per game, necessitating a shift in their defensive strategy to contain the opponents.
“Their backline is quick and skilled. Heading into this game, as a Pacific Island team, we are known for our physicality, but we recognized the need to be more structured in our defense,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the Flying Fijians are now preparing for the upcoming Autumn Internationals, where they will face Scotland, Ireland, and Wales throughout November. Their first match is scheduled against Scotland on November 3.