Viliame Mata was “dynamic” against Wales with the most carries, says Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui.
Mata’s performance against the Welsh on Monday caught Raiwalui’s attention with 22 carries and chalking up the third most metres gained with 118.
His runs at the opposition saw him only make six passes.
“He’s led from the front in terms of his play. He’s been dynamic on the field,” Raiwalui said.
“When he first came in, we had to work on a few things in terms of fitness and stuff like that. But he’s applied himself. Fantastic.”
Raiwalui said its been a good year for Pacific teams in terms of preparation.
“We normally don’t get a lot of time together, so to have the extra few weeks to be able to prep (is good),” Raiwalui said.
“If we get the same conditions, the same preparation it’s always a benefit because we have the talent in the islands. I speak specifically for Fiji for us to be able to prepare together.”
Raiwalui has based his 2023 Rugby World Cup squad around the Drua, who finished in the quarter-final of the Super Rugby Pacific competition, with 18 players in the 33-member squad.
He said the Drua, coupled with five international Test matches before the RWC in France, had helped the Flying Fijians in the lead up to the campaign.
Raiwalui said spirits are high again in the team camp as the players prepare to face the Wallabies in Saint Entienne, France on Monday.
