DISCIPLINE at the breakdown will be crucial for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians when they meet an improved Canada side in the semi-final of the Pacific Nations Cup today at Denver, USA.
Head coach Mick Byrne highlighted the strength of their opponents this season which Fiji will need to be mindful of.
“I think Canada this year has shown a massive amount of improvement.
“They’ve got a very mobile and aggressive forward pack. At this stage, we need to make sure that we are bringing our best behaviour around the breakdown.
They’re going to be physical around that, so we need to be at our best at the breakdown,” he said.
According to Byrne, Canada, compared to Tonga and Samoa, will bring a different style of play.
“They’ve got a really good kicking game. We also need to be good at our kick returns this week.
Canada bring a different game to what the Samoans and Tongans bring, but they still bring a physicality that’s mobile and a good kicking game.”
The last time the two teams met was in 2013 where Canada defeated Fiji 20-18 in Ottawa.
This makes today’s clash significant especially with Canada riding on the high of their 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification.
“I think that given it is the semi-final of the PNC, it carries a lot of significance.
“Canada has qualified for the world cup and so as Tonga so they have got the first part of the PNC done. Now we stand in their way on Monday (today).”
Fiji, ranked number nine, in the World Rugby men’s rankings, face off against Canada, ranked No. 24, in today’s Pacific Nations Cup semi-final.
Historically, Fiji dominates the head-to-head: nine wins to Canada’s three in twelve matches.
Canada’s last victory over Fiji came back in 2013 in Ottawa, a narrow 20-18 win.
Fiji enters the semi-final as defending champions and Pool A leaders, having shown consistency and physical prowess throughout the tournament.
For Canada, ranked lower, this is an opportunity to upset the odds and prove their growth on the international stage.
Today’s clash kicks off at 12.35pm.
