FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has praised young props Tim Hyot and Atunaisa Sokobale for stepping up during the team’s Europe tour.
Both players made their debut in Europe and did not look out of place despite their inexperience.
“I was really pleased, especially for the young props that came in. They’re pretty inexperienced rugby players at that level, and they handled themselves really well,” Byrne said.
Sokobale’s try against Spain was a standout moment for the young prop showcasing his determination and hunger to excel at international level.
“He really showed some real desire, and that’s what we’re looking for in those young guys,” Byrne said.
Byrne was also impressed with Hyot who stepped in brilliantly for Eroni Mawi. He emphasised the significance of these experiences for the players’ development.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to see what it was like to be an international player, said Byrne.
“Both not surprised, but very impressed with the pace and the intensity of the game.”
The tour also allowed the coaching staff to assess squad depth amid injuries, with Pita Gus Sowakula given a chance to impress.
“Bringing Pita Gus in was a good chance to have a look at Pita Gus as well,” he said.
Byrne was clear about expectations for the young talent:
“We don’t need them to be match winners or anything like that. We want them to be the best they can be for themselves.”
This approach aims to build confidence and experience ahead of more significant roles in the future.
As the Flying Fijians prepare for the Nations Cup and beyond, the development of young players will be crucial to the team’s long-term success.
