Mick Byrne, the head coach of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, expressed concerns over the off-field challenges facing Manu Samoa as they prepare to meet in the opening match of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup tomorrow.
Samoa’s national 15s team has recently faced significant financial difficulties, leading to their withdrawal from an upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour to avoid potential bankruptcy. Byrne emphasized the need for his team to remain cautious as they anticipate Samoa’s performance despite these issues.
Byrne remarked that Pacific Island teams are known for their resilience and ability to deliver strong performances regardless of the challenges their governing bodies may face. “When Samoa, Tonga and Fiji come together, there’s often a lot of off-field issues, but when the players show up on game day, they focus on what needs to be done,” he said. He believes that the adversity could even motivate the Samoan players.
“One of the other things to consider is that crises can fuel energy, often creating a lot of intense energy, so we must be prepared for that,” he added.
Byrne acknowledged Samoa’s physically dominant style of play, indicating that his team needs to be ready for a tough encounter. “Based on their recent performances, they will aim to overpower us, so we must stay alert. It should be an exciting match on Friday night, with both teams competing fiercely,” he concluded.
The match is scheduled to take place at six o’clock in the evening at the HFC Bank Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva.