Nine members of the Flying Fijians squad who needed to obtain their visas in Suva have arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The players are Eroni Mawi, Albert Tuisue, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Sireli Maqala, Meli Derenalagi, Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Viliame Mata, Temo Mayanavanua, and Vilimoni Botitu.
The remainder of the squad departed Georgia on Sunday via 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, scheduled to take place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
Under new head coach Scott Robertson, the All Blacks recently secured two close Test victories against England, while the Flying Fijians triumphed over Georgia with a score of 21-12 on July 5. The win was highlighted by the Flying Fijians’ strong defense, which did not concede any tries against the Georgian team, despite them playing at home.
The All Blacks won the first Test 16-15 and concluded the series with a 24-17 victory over England in Auckland last Saturday.
Before leaving for Los Angeles on Sunday, Robertson commented that the All Blacks had managed to win the series without fully executing their desired style of play.
“It’s coming. We’re training for it. We’ve got to showcase it on the field now,” he stated.
The match kicks off on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm (Fiji time).