The performance of the forwards in the scrum during the recent semi-final match against the USA in the Pacific Nations Cup is one area in which FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has commended.

Byrne said the strong connection he had with the players had greatly improved in terms of communication on and off the field.

He said many players were still in the early stages of their professional careers, but he saw them as making progress and gaining valuable experience with each game.

“I think they are still in their early stages in their professional careers all a lot of these players. They had a good learning and a new experience,” said Byrne.

Speaking specifically about the team’s scrummaging, Byrne commended their performance in the semi-final match against USA.

He said the team had excelled in this area during last year’s Rugby World Cup and had also been the top-performing scrum unit in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

“We’re doing a lot of work, and the boys are understanding their tasks, and I think it’s just work, the biggest one for scrums is its effort and everyone, all eight must do it I thought we were pretty good despite a couple of slip-ups there.

“I think the scrums improving all the time and I think I just realized that last year we had the best scrum at the world cup and this year the Drua scrum was the best in Super rugby, and I think people can realise now we can actually scrum and it’s pleasing.”

Byrne also praised the team’s self-motivated spirit, highlighting their ability to take initiative and push themselves to do better.

The Flying Fijians will be out to defend its PNC title this Saturday at 10.05pm against Japan at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Japan.