With the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England just a week away, Vodafone Fijiana XV head coach Ioan Cunningham says the team is heading into the tournament with improved attack and game management but insists they must be more clinical at the breakdown to challenge the word’s best.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Cunningham highlighted the progress the team has made, especially in their attacking play and overall game management.
“From an attacking point of view. I think we’re holding on to the ball better,” Cunnigham said.
“It’s also about better defence. We are showing our powerful side, so yeah. There’s been a lot of growth with us.”
Cunnigham pointed out that the team has improved not only in individual skills but also in how they manage games.
“We just understanding game management, so we do a real good, positive action, whether the score will try or a line breaker, then it’s making sure we stay on top of teams. So, there’s growth with us there. And we’re looking forward to doing that against better opposition,” he said.
Despite these gains, the former Welsh women’s coach stressed that there are still areas where the Fijiana need to get better to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead to Pool B, Cunnigham acknowledged the challenge of facing Canada, Wales and Scotland, noting that Canada are ranked number two in the world and both northern hemisphere sides will bring a different style of play the Fijiana must adapt to.
“So it’s important that we adapt to that different style potentially, but also they will be used to our style and our strengths as well,” he said.
The Fijiana XV side departed for England yesterday to compete in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will take place from August 22 to September 27.