THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians raked in some good numbers during its first World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup clash over the weekend and the same is expected when they take on Samoa in their second pool match on Saturday.
Fiji secured a comfortable 32-10 win over Ikale Tahi Tonga last Saturday in Suva, setting them up well for what is expected to be another physical Pacific battle against Samoa- a side that is yet to secure a win so far.
If Mick Byrne’s men build on their performance, they could be looking at another emphatic win and a sure place in the semi-finals.
Looking at the match statistics against Tonga, the Flying Fijians executed their set-pieces well with a 100 percent scrum success and line-out at 89%.
According to the stats, Fiji recorded eight in scrums won, compared to seven to Tonga and in terms of lineouts, the national side won 17 and lost two.
Their attacking plays also saw some good numbers with 516 carries compared to 188 by Tonga.
Fiji had a 91% ruck success, 108 runs, 53 defenders beaten and made eight offloads.
The Flying Fijians won 69 rucks, six mauls, and 56 in meters mauled.
Their defensive plays were commendable as well with an 80 % tackle success.
However, Fiji conceded seven penalties and while the number is lower compared to that of Tonga which gave away 15, this is still an area they need to be mindful of when facing the Samoans this week.
The Flying Fijians had an 83% success in kicking.
No doubt that expectations will be high for Byrne and his men to romp to another PNC victory, this time, on the road in chilly New Zealand.
The team after its opening match, departed our shores on Sunday and is set to take on Samoa in the last round of pool matches on Saturday, 3pm at Rotorua International Stadium.