The FIJI Water Flying Fijians are rallying with determination after a challenging 18-38 defeat to England, focusing their energy on the upcoming match against France this Sunday. Backline coach Aaron Mauger expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, noting their resilience despite the disappointing outcome against the Red Roses.
Mauger acknowledged the disappointment felt within the squad but highlighted the positive aspects of their performance, stating, “We were going toe to toe with one of the top four teams in the world.” He emphasized that small execution errors contributed to their downfall in the second half, especially as they let the game slip away in the last ten minutes.
The Flying Fijians have swiftly turned their attention to preparing for France, a formidable opponent ranked fifth in the world. Mauger described the team’s training regimen as productive, with a solid review of their previous match and renewed focus on tactical execution. “We are two days into our weekend preparations for the French, which is going to be another big battle,” he remarked, revealing the squad’s determination to bounce back and perform better.
Josua Tuisova, a key player within the team, echoed Mauger’s sentiments and expressed anticipation for the upcoming clash. He mentioned the lessons learned from facing England and the intense preparations underway to counter the unique style and physicality of the French squad. With both teams coming off recent losses—Fiji to England and France to South Africa—the stakes for this match are high.
The match is scheduled for November 16, at 8:10 AM Fiji time, in Bordeaux. It represents not only a critical challenge for the Flying Fijians but also an opportunity to showcase their growth and resilience in a prestigious international setting. As they head into this contest, the team aims to harness the support of their fans and prove that, despite setbacks, they can emerge stronger and more unified.
This encounter promises to be a pivotal moment for Fiji rugby, offering a chance for the Flying Fijians to demonstrate their true potential on a global stage. With passionate supporters behind them, the team is hopeful that they will rise to the occasion and make a significant impact against one of Europe’s strongest sides, reaffirming their competitive spirit and ambition as they prepare for future challenges, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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