While the FIJI Water Flying Fijians boast a host of big names in the backline, assistant coach (scrums) Graham Dewes says the forwards are the ones to look out for.
The former Flying Fijians prop played 29 tests for Fiji from 2007 to 2012.
He is well remembered for his winning try against Wales in the 38-34 upset during the 2007 Rugby World Cup which secured a quarter-final spot for Fiji.
He was named Fiji’s forwards coach last year and he said the squad boasts many players who can be used as utilities.
“Our backline has firepower but we also have some very dangerous forwards in Fiji rugby. We have forwards that can play as backs and we have forwards that can play as forwards. It is quite an exciting team,” Dewes said.
He said the team was aware the forwards would be targeted at the RWC if the set pieces don’t work well. “Our set pieces set the platform. We can’t let down on our set pieces, teams will target us there.”
He added that while there are many stars in the team, only the best will be picked for the upcoming test matches.
“Fiji Rugby continues to grow. In terms of names, at this stage, they are just names on paper. We’ll just see when we get into the games of how we perform and let our actions do the speaking.”
Dewes said he had always thought of coaching Fiji and getting an opportunity is a blessing. He added the job becomes easier as he knows many of the players before coaching them.
“It’s amazing to coach people I already know. People who are my friends before I coach them. Being a Flying Fijian and then coming back to coach them is just awesome,” he added.
