Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is exploring all possible combinations within his 28-member squad during the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). In an interview with SUNsports, Byrne noted that the interactions between the forwards and backs are constantly evolving.
“It’s a small squad; 28 is not a large number,” he remarked. “We have our backs and likely one or two extra, giving them the opportunity to try different combinations without needing to hold anyone back.”
Byrne expressed uncertainty about the combinations as the competition progresses, emphasizing that it remains a work in progress. “We’re navigating through this. Everyone is getting a chance. It’s not like we have four or five players sidelined without being utilized.”
He is aware of the challenge that Tonga poses in their upcoming match next Friday. “Playing against Fiji in Fiji, Samoa in Samoa, and Tonga in Tonga presents similar challenges. We understand the passion of the fans in the Pacific Islands; they support their home teams,” he added. “This will create a distinct pressure for us. We must ensure that we remain focused on our objectives while filtering out any external distractions. We’re looking forward to the challenge just as we appreciate when teams come to play us.”
In other news, burly prop Ben Tameifuna will lead Tonga in their PNC opener against Samoa in Apia, a match that is crucial for both teams.
This weekend’s schedule includes:
Today: 4pm Samoa vs. Tonga
Sunday: 1pm USA vs. Canada
Results from recent matches:
Fiji 42-16 Samoa, Canada 28-55 Japan