Nine members of the Flying Fijians squad who needed to obtain their visas in Suva have arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The players include 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, traveled through Turkey, and is currently in San Diego training under head coach Mick Byrne.
The Flying Fijians are maintaining a low profile ahead of Saturday’s Test match against the All Blacks, set to be played at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
Under new head coach Scott Robertson, the All Blacks recently recorded two narrow Test victories against England. In contrast, the Flying Fijians defeated Georgia 21-12 on July 5, with their strong defense preventing any tries from the home team.
In their series against England, the All Blacks won the first Test 16-15 and secured the series with a 24-17 victory last Saturday in Auckland.
Before heading to Los Angeles on Sunday, Robertson mentioned that the All Blacks had not yet played to their full potential.
“It’s coming. We’re training it. We’ve got to put it on the field now,” he remarked.
The match is scheduled to kick off on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 PM Fiji time.