FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne says starting their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a bye week presents a unique challenge that requires the team to elevate their preparations, as they gear up to face Tonga.
Ensuring that the squad’s physicality is at an optimal level will be crucial as they head into the upcoming clash this weekend.
The team has been focusing their efforts on preparing specifically for a strong Tongan side following their impressive win against Samoa in the previous weekend.
Byrne emphasised the importance of matching the physicality and intensity of their opponents in training to ensure they are ready for the challenge ahead.
He adds the players have shown great dedication and determination in their efforts to ramp up their intensity and physical presence on the field.
“We are trying to get our intensity, and we tried to get our physicality going and the boys were awesome at it,” said Byrne.
“Always you know with Tonga and Samoa starting with the game and last year we started with the game and then we had our bye but this year we got our bye starting and then we start this weekend, so our training has to merry up physicality to get us ready for the weekend.”
Byrne also expressed excitement for the overwhelming support of Fiji’s passionate fans, who are known for creating a vibrant atmosphere in the stadium with their blue Fiji flags.
The team is looking forward to drawing energy from the home crowd and is confident that their support will play a vital role in securing a win.
The Flying Fijians are set to face Tonga at 3pm on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.