Scotland’s fast, physical and unpredictable style is exactly the kind of challenge the FIJI Water Flying Fijians will be expecting in front of a home crowd this Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
“They play a lot of expansive rugby. They play quick rugby. They’re over the ball very quickly, bit like Gregor (Scotland’s head coach) was as a player,” said head coach Mick Byrne.
“Gregor (Townsend) was a very visual player and made great decisions on the run, and he’s been able to transfer that into his team.”
The Scottish side edged the Māori All Blacks 29-26 in New Zealand last weekend and come into the match with momentum, something Byrne and his players are very aware of.
“Last year they took a quick kick across the field off a penalty and hit their winger on the other side. So, we know they’ve got all those little things in them, and Greg has given them the license to feel and play like he played,” Byrne added.
“We met our match with them last year in the north, and we’d like to return the favor on Saturday in Suva.”
Beyond the rugby, the game is also a cultural exchange, something Byrne sees as special.
“It’s a good clash, probably as far north as you go and out of the Pacific, a great experience for everybody on Saturday,” he said.
“We’re two different cultures, and our culture is very strong. It’s great to have our northern hemisphere players come down here, get back to their villages and be part of their culture again.”
He also hopes more matches like this will take place in Fiji.
“This is the people’s team. It’d be great to get more games here, not necessarily for home advantage, but just so the people can see their team play.”
The match kicks off at 3pm.
