FORMER Fiji Rugby Union coaching director Franck Boivert has launched a scathing assessment of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians following their humiliating 8-73 defeat to England in Liverpool on Sunday.
Speaking to Times Sport, he questioned player selections, coaching decisions and the overall preparation of the side.
Botia out of place
Boivert questioned the decision to play Levani Botia at number eight in the starting XV.
“Botia should never have played at number eight because he does not play that position for his club,” Boivert pointed out.
“Teams in France develop strategies to avoid his poaching skills and his strength is playing at blindside flanker.
He should have been at six while Peceli Yato should have been used at number eight.”
Set pieces in pieces
The former Nadroga mentor also questioned the role of forwards coach Graham Dewes after Fiji struggled badly in the set pieces.
“The scrum performance was not that of a tier one nation. I also don’t understand why experienced prop Peni Ravai was not brought on towards the end of the match. That was poor game management.”
Boivert said he had previously raised concerns over Fiji’s scrum, noting the significant decline from the side that dominated Australia during the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool match in Saint-Etienne.
“I wrote to Graham (Dewes) asking what happened to our scrum because it was like day and night compared to the Australia game when Fiji dismantled the Wallabies scrum.”
Fitness and physicality
He added that the team appeared disjointed and lacked cohesion throughout the contest.
“The team looked like individuals rather than a unit. Instead of spending too much time in the gym, they should have worked more on combinations and cohesion.
“Players need points of reference to understand each other’s roles and movements.
“When I coached Nadroga, the players functioned as a unit because they had common reference points.
“Peceli Yato and Levani Botia looked lost because they did not have that understanding, and the same could be said for the backline.”
Mauger criticised by Boivert
Boivert also directed criticism towards assistant coach Aaron Mauger, saying Fiji lacked attacking structure and creativity.
“What exactly is Aaron Mauger doing there?,” Boivert asked.
“There was no structure in the backline, no first-phase plays and very little creativity.”
Boivert pointed out the maul was main downfall against Wales.
“In Fiji’s game against Wales, conceding four tries from driving mauls is outrageous. If Fiji does not address these issues quickly, they could face another difficult outing this weekend.”
The Flying Fijians now have little time to regroup as they prepare for their next Test match, with pressure mounting on the coaching staff to find answers following one of Fiji’s heaviest defeats in recent history.
Fiji plays Scotland this Sunday at 1.10am in Edinburgh in their final Nations Championship fixture for this leg.
