AS the FIJI Water Flying Fijians take stock of yesterday’s 21-34 loss to France in Bordeaux, the message remains clear from head coach Mick Byrne on the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup: they are getting there.
With the team’s second Autumn Test loss after an 18-38 defeat by England last Saturday, Byrne acknowledged the game’s shifting dominance and how his side pushed through against a determined home team.
“We let them get away early and did not quite hang onto the ball or play in the right areas,” Byrne said.
“But when we did, and we held onto our structure, we asked a lot of questions and got back into the game.”
“We are learning where our gaps are. As we chase down 2027, we are getting a lot closer to where we want to be.”
These sentiments were also shared by captain Tevita Ikanivere.
“We have the courage. We have the firepower to take on any team in the world. It comes down to the little moments and little disciplines, and I think we can do it come 2027,” Ikanivere said.
Fiji faces Spain in their final Autumn Test match this Sunday at 4.10am, at the Estadio Ciudad de Malaga.
