Nine members of the Flying Fijians squad who needed to obtain their visas in Suva arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday. These players are Eroni Mawi, Albert Tuisue, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Sireli Maqala, Meli Derenalagi, Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Viliame Mata, Temo Mayanavanua, and Vilimoni Botitu.
The rest of the squad departed from Georgia on Sunday via Turkey and is now in San Diego, training under head coach Mick Byrne. The Flying Fijians are maintaining a low profile ahead of their Test match against the All Blacks on Saturday, which will take place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
The All Blacks, under new head coach Scott Robertson, recently secured two narrow Test victories against England, while the Flying Fijians defeated Georgia 21-12 in their encounter on July 5. A standout feature of the Flying Fijians’ win was their strong defense, as they did not concede any tries against the Georgians, who were playing on home turf.
The All Blacks won the first Test 16-15 and clinched the series with a 24-17 win over England in Auckland last Saturday. Before heading to Los Angeles on Sunday, Robertson noted that the All Blacks had won the series without playing to their full potential. “It’s coming. We’re training it. We’ve got to put it on the field now,” he said.
The match is scheduled to kick off on Friday, July 19 at 7:30pm (Fiji time).