Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne believes ‘the best is still to come’ from the FIJI Water Flying Fijians team.
His comments came after the national 15s team’s 36-20 win over Tonga on Saturday during the Punjas Pacific Battle opener at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
“Overall, it has been a great year for Fiji Rugby,” he said. Bryne added that he was impressed with the performance of all the eight Drua boys who were in the 23-member team against Tonga.
“It was a great game, especially for debutants, Selestino Ravutaumada and Caleb Muntz who were in the starting 15.
“For the Drua debutants, it was great to see them play in their first game for Fiji on home soil, a ground in which they have played earlier and performed well.”
He said hopefully the experienced players from the Drua squad do make the final cut for the Flying Fijians team.
“That experience will surely carry through our pre-season that we will kick-start at the end of October whereas the Flying Fijians returnees would march into camp at the end of November.
“I think Caleb was excellent and looked like a seasoned professional considering he missed a number of games in the season due to injury.”
Bryne added the Flying Fijians fly-half had a really good debut and was in great shape.
“He kicked well and bossed the game around and had his eyes up when there were good opportunities on the field.”
The Flying Fijians take on Samoa in their next match at 12 midday this Saturday at Apia Park.
