Flying Fijians coach Vern Cotter believes Fiji’s time has come to compete against tier one nations in the Rugby Championship.
Despite a 57-23 scoreline which the All Blacks painstakingly achieved, Cotter said more games on the biggest stage south of the equator was the need to bring Fiji’s game to the forefront.
“If you get those games more often, you get to measure yourself against the best teams in the world and improve,” Cotter said.
“And that type of game does that.”
Fiji has shown it held up to rugby giants including a win against France in 2019 and a much improved best performance ever against the All Blacks over the weekend.
“I think they have done enough in this game to show they deserve more opportunities and I hope so.”
Cotter said top quality opponents on an annual basis would allow the Flying Fijians to develop and replicate the success they had in the 7s code.
“It’ll be a great challenge that can develop their talents like the 7s team which is going well.
“There is some talent on the island that needs exposure and a lot of things to bring Fiji rugby up.
“They are amazing explosive athletes and it’s a joy to watch them play and we need to see them against more good teams.”
