THE Fijiana XVs are sharpening their physical game ahead of this weekend’s Test match against the Springbok Women, with interim head coach Mike Legge identifying the collision area as the team’s top priority.
The national side resumed training this week as players continued assembling in camp, giving the coaching staff time to fine-tune combinations before Saturday’s clash. Legge noted that lessons learned from their Super Rugby Women’s final defeat to the NSW Waratahs have directly shaped their preparations.
“Our big focus this week is the collision,” Legge said. “What we learnt from losing the final against the Waratahs was making sure we win the collision. South Africa is a big team. I don’t think the girls would have come up against a team the size of South Africa before.”
He acknowledged the stern test awaiting them on the pitch. “It’s going to be a massive, massive challenge for us,” he said.
While a few players are still expected to arrive in camp, the interim head coach expressed confidence that the squad will be fully prepared. He added that South Africa will provide a rigorous test after building momentum in recent international fixtures.
“They’ve had a good test series against the US, which was recent. They’re a team that’s slowly building in.
“These girls wouldn’t have come up against a size like that. Probably the physicality, but it’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
Despite the emphasis on matching South Africa’s size and power, Legge insisted Fiji will not stray from its signature flair.
“We want to continue our style of game,” Legge said.
“So, we’ll work hard on the collision, work hard on what we do on the edges as well. It’s going to be pretty much similar to how we played the last couple of months.”
Although a few squad members are currently on modified training programs following the Super Rugby Women’s final, they are expected to return to full training shortly.
“Some of our girls are still carrying some injuries from the Super final. So, they’re only doing some modified stuff today, but they’ll be back for training.”
With the Test taking place at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Legge is calling on local fans to turn out in full force.
“We have our core group of supporters that continue to follow us where we go. I know they’ll show up in numbers on Saturday, but also, we’re hoping that the Dean’s parents remain and support our girls as well. I think it’s going to be a really good game. Two very different styles of rugby.”
