Nine members of the Flying Fijians squad who had to obtain their visas in Suva have arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday.
They are Eroni Mawi, Albert Tuisue, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Sireli Maqala, Meli Derenalagi, Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Viliame Mata, Temo Mayanavanua, and Vilimoni Botitu.
The rest of the squad left Georgia on Sunday via Turkey and is now in San Diego training under head coach Mick Byrne.
The Flying Fijians are keeping a low profile for Saturday’s Test match against the All Blacks to be played at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
The All Blacks, under new head coach Scott Robertson, recently recorded two close Test wins against England while the Flying Fijians beat Georgia 21-12 in their clash on July 5. The highlight of the win was the Flying Fijians’ strong defense that did not concede any tries against the Georgians who were playing in front of their home crowd.
The All Blacks won the first Test 16-15 and last Saturday wrapped up the series with a 24-17 win over England in Auckland.
Before departing for Los Angeles on Sunday, Robertson said the All Blacks had won the series without having played the way they wanted.
“It’s coming. We’re training it. We’ve got to put it on the field now,” he said.
The match kicks off on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm (Fiji time).
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