Nine members of the Flying Fijians squad, who needed to obtain their visas in Suva, 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 rest of the squad departed from 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 in preparation for Saturday’s Test match against the All Blacks, set to take place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
The All Blacks, under new head coach Scott Robertson, recently achieved two narrow Test victories against England, while the Flying Fijians secured a 21-12 win over Georgia on July 5. The highlight of the match was the Flying Fijians’ strong defense, which did not concede any tries against the Georgians, who were playing on their home turf.
The All Blacks won the first Test 16-15 and concluded the series with a 24-17 win over England in Auckland last Saturday.
Before leaving for Los Angeles on Sunday, Robertson noted that the All Blacks had won the series without fully executing their desired gameplay. “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 7:30 pm (Fiji time).