The FIJI Water Flying Fijians reflected on their recent 21-34 loss to France in Bordeaux, with head coach Mick Byrne remaining optimistic about the team’s development as they aim for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This defeat marked their second setback in the Autumn Test series, following an 18-38 loss to England the previous week. Despite the challenging results, Byrne noted the progress made and emphasized the importance of learning from each match.
“We allowed them to get away early and didn’t maintain possession effectively,” Byrne stated, acknowledging the difficulty of facing a skilled home team. However, he also highlighted moments of improvement as his team managed to regain some control during the game, pushing back against the French momentum. “When we did stick to our structure, we asked a lot of questions and got back into play,” he added.
Team captain Tevita Ikanivere echoed Byrne’s sentiments, expressing the belief that they possess the talent and strength to compete with any international team. He stated, “We have the courage. We have the firepower to take on any team in the world,” and noted that focusing on the finer details of their game would be crucial as they look towards 2027.
The Flying Fijians are set to conclude their Autumn Test series with a match against Spain this Sunday at 4:10 AM at Estadio Ciudad de Malaga. This final opportunity offers the team a chance to finish the series on a high note and demonstrate their growth and potential on the international stage.
The upcoming clash against Spain presents a pivotal moment for Fiji as they continue to develop their skills and resilience. As the team prepares, the hope is that the experiences gained from their encounters with top-tier teams will lead to significant improvements, igniting excitement among fans for the future of Fijian rugby.
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