The mission this Saturday for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians against Tonga in their first Pacific Nations Cup match is simple: win.
And to ensure the mission is accomplished in all aspects, it will mean a concentrated approach on refining any weaknesses and fine-tuning their strengths.
Head coach Mick Byrne said their task on Saturday was a simple one and one that did not vary week in and week out.
He mentioned how the team’s focus on its ability to retain and control possession of the ball, and its command of breakdowns and possessing physicality.
While this was what he highlighted, he added the flow of the game was such that the process repeated itself the week after.
“The game doesn’t change much. We don’t want to get too far away from the fact that we maintain possession and we’re physical and work hard around the breakdown,” Byrne told reporters at the Holiday Inn in Suva yesterday.
In addition to this, the aim of having a dynamic quality set piece is something Byrne also pointed out.
“We know that if we can hang onto the ball and be physical around our breakdown area, both attack and defence, then we give ourselves the best chance of performing well,” he said.
Byrne shared similar sentiments on Monday at the start of the Fiji Rugby Union’s symposium at Albert Park.
There, he mentioned how Tonga’s speed at the ruck and their physicality around it were what they expected from them and what they were preparing to counter this Saturday.
“The physicality that Tonga brings to their game and their aggression and their line speed coming off, is going to put us under a lot of pressure,” he shared in a recent interview prior to the symposium.
Saturday’s match against Tonga kicks off at 3pm, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Tonga comes into the match with a win over Samoa.