Australia will be bringing a high level of intensity to this upcoming Test match, according to Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne.
As they prepare to face off in the first Test match, Byrne emphasised the importance of focusing on their own game and bringing a strong energy to the match.
He acknowledged the formidable challenge that the Wallabies present, noting that they are a tough team at any stage.
“Our focus is on getting our game right and our energy, we are expecting the Wallabies are a tough team in any stage, so we will be looking forward for that,” said Byrne.
Despite the history between the two teams, Byrne stressed that this match is all about the present and the task at hand.
“The game ahead of us is important, I think they won’t be looking at getting any revenge during the World Cup, so I think we will have a great match against them.”
With a new coaching staff and program in place for the Wallabies, Byrne sees them as just another tough opponent that his team will need to overcome.
“I think with their new coach Joe Schmidt, and different program, they will be just another Wallabies team that are prepared really well.
“They have a really good coaching team, they will be giving intensity to this test match, and we are ready for them.”
He adds with 10 test matches against tier one teams in the next two years, every game is a crucial step towards World Cup readiness.
Byrne emphasised the significance of representing Fiji well in these matchups and the need for his players to step up and perform at their best.
The Flying Fijians will square up against the Wallabies on Sunday, 3.30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.
The team has been training in Newcastle since last Saturday, acclimatising to the cold weather.
On Tuesday, the side hit the gym at the University of Newcastle for a powerhouse session.
While at it, the team is using it’s time to bind and get on the same page around the whole game as the players have come from different playing environments.
Meanwhile, some former Flying Fijians reps have been sharing their thoughts on the upcoming Test.
Isolaring the Wallabies between Australia’s 22 and the score line is one way in which the Flying Fijians could obtain penalties and score tries, says former national fullback Severo Koroduadua.
“If they want to take some penalties or tries, they have to play a lot in the area between the 22 and the scoring line,” Koroduadua said.
And another suggestion he lent to the Mick Byrne-coached side was to play a different style of rugby on the field.
“Don’t follow their style of playing the forward pack, playing from the side or through the maul like that,” he added.
