THE Vodafone Fijiana XV is determined to bounce back and level its two-Test series against South Africa when the sides meet at Churchill Park in Lautoka today.
Fijiana XV head coach Willie Walker says the team has taken valuable lessons from the opening Test and believes a much-improved performance can put Fiji in contention for a series-levelling victory.
Walker identified consistency and effort as the biggest areas the Fijiana needed to improve after the first Test.
“There were a few lessons to take from that first game. Probably the biggest one we’ve taken out of it is effort. We must make sure we put in an 80-minute effort and not just an effort that’s just going in fits and bursts,” Walker said.
The Fijiana have worked hard during the week to address those shortcomings, with particular emphasis placed on their effort levels in both attack and defence.
“The biggest thing we’ve worked on this week is just our efforts both in attack and defence and hopefully it will translate on the field tomorrow,” he added.
Defence has also been a major focus, with Walker stressing the need for a stronger attitude from his players.
“It was more an attitude thing as well. Again, we’ve worked pretty hard on that this week. We expect the girls to put up a better showing tomorrow because of it.”
Fijiana fans can also expect several changes to the starting line-up, with local players rewarded for their performances in the Marama and Ranadi competitions.
“We’ve made a few changes to the team. We’ve brought in a couple of players that have performed in the local Marama and Ranadi competition.
“So that’s a reward for our local players and we feel that they’re ready to step up into this environment.”
Despite the changes, Walker said the team would maintain its core group and was confident the players could deliver a stronger showing.
For Walker, the objective is more than simply making the second Test competitive.
The Fijiana genuinely believe they can level the series.
“Oh no, we can level the series.
“Again, last week was something that wasn’t expected from all of us. So yeah, we expect to go out and do a better performance and yeah, we’re definitely going into levelling the series.”
With a strong home crowd expected at Churchill Park, Walker has called on supporters in the West to get behind the Fijiana.
“We’re going to put on a show. Expect a better performance from us. Expect a better showing from the girls and again, we hope for a positive result,” he concluded.
