Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has highlighted the need for the team to maintain focus and intensity during their bye week as they prepare for their upcoming Pacific Nations Cup match against Tonga. The match will take place at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on September 6, and Byrne stresses that preparation is critical for success.
Byrne stated, “In a bye week, it’s important that we keep that focus. We have just lifted intensity in training, and when there isn’t a focus until the end of the week, we need to find other ways to bring in focus and energy. We have achieved this by increasing training intensity and incorporating some contact this week.”
The coaching staff is also taking a careful approach to player recovery, ensuring that key players like Selestino Ravutaumada, Temo Mayanavanua, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karuwalevu receive adequate rehabilitation. Byrne emphasized the importance of not overworking players during this period, stating, “There’s no point bashing them up this week. We need to keep them ready, working hard, and ensuring they are receiving the right rehabilitation.”
Despite having a relatively small squad of 28 players, Byrne remains confident in their ability to form effective combinations for the match against Tonga. He noted, “Playing Tonga in Tonga is akin to playing Samoa in Samoa or Fiji in Fiji. We know how passionate the fans are in the Pacific Islands. It’s going to be good pressure for us, but we are focused on our goals.”
He concluded, “We need to focus on getting the job done.”