Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is facing a tough task this week as he prepares for a crucial test match against Scotland. With only one injury worry, the coach is focused on selecting his starting XV following a narrow defeat to the Wallabies. Byrne acknowledges that the competition for spots in the lineup is fierce, stating, “We’ve got four world-class players, and we could make a change without missing anything. It’s a great problem to have.”
The Flying Fijians aim to bounce back after their 22-18 loss, which highlighted both their strengths and areas needing improvement, particularly in lineouts where they faltered early in the game. “We missed a couple of lineouts early; the boys took it personally and spent a good amount of time looking at that,” said Byrne, who is keen on sharpening their performance ahead of the match on Saturday in Suva.
This matchup comes with additional significance as it marks the Flying Fijians’ first game in front of their home crowd this year, an opportunity that the players are eager to seize. “It’s our first game at home and that’s what they’re really looking forward to,” Byrne noted.
Scotland arrives in Suva fresh off a tight 29-26 win against the Māori All Blacks, and Byrne recognizes the formidable challenge they present, particularly around the aggressive breakdown. The upcoming clash will mark the 13th meeting between Fiji and Scotland, with Fiji having only won two of the previous encounters, the last win occurring in 2017.
In terms of preparation, Byrne’s coaching staff is working diligently to finalize the squad and improve their strategies. Despite injury concerns surrounding veteran prop Peni Ravai, who is undergoing scans for an elbow issue, the overall team morale remains high, creating an optimistic atmosphere as they gear up for the match.
This Saturday’s game promises to be exciting, with kickoff scheduled for 3 PM at HFC Bank Stadium. The support of home fans is expected to play a pivotal role as the Flying Fijians aim to turn the tide and deliver an inspiring performance, showcasing their talent and resilience on the international stage.
As they prepare, there’s a strong sense of optimism within the camp. With the potential to rectify past mistakes and capitalize on home advantage, the Flying Fijians are hopeful of a positive outcome against a tough Scottish side.
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