With the inclusion of potential FIJI Water Flying Fijian debutants Isoa Tuwai and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, the onus is on the duo to understand the depth they add to the team as the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) looms.
This was what head coach Mick Byrne stressed when asked by Times Sports if the duos inclusion continued to follow the rationale of having new players in the team as an infusion of new energy.
“I think that at any time when you’re bringing in young players, and we’ve said it many times, and you’re right to make that point, we’ve said it many times – all we really ask of our young players is to come in and understand their role and bring lots of energy,” Byrne shared recently.
In Tuwai’s case, Byrne referred to his previous stint in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua where he first saw the potential within the then Drua development player.
“I know from having brought him into the Drua program when I was there, his ability to work and do the work and be conscious around becoming a better player is great,” Byrne said.
He shared the same sentiments on having new players add fresh energy when speaking of Samusamuvodre.
“And we just want to make sure that when these young players come in and Tui (Tuidraki Samusamuvodre) that when these players come, that they just bring their energy and focus in on getting (to) understand their core role, and that’s all you can ask,” he said.
“You can’t ask them to do anymore and I’m really confident in these players being able to come in and do that.”
Meanwhile, Tuwai and Samusamuvodre are the latest young additions to the team, joining Fijian Drua teammate Philip Baselala and NPC player Samuel Wye, both of whom appeared in the Flying Fijians’ July Tests against Australia and Scotland.
The other July debutant Salesi Rayasi has returned to France to join the Top 14 team Bordeaux Bègles.
The Flying Fijians are scheduled to meet Tonga in their first PNC match on Saturday, August 30, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.