FORMER Fiji national rugby representative Sailosi Naiteqe says the Fiji Rugby Union should reintroduce warm-up matches before Test fixtures after the Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ 24-39 defeat to Wales last weekend.
Naiteqe said the loss once again highlighted the importance of game time, especially for players assembling from different professional clubs.
“All I see here is the importance of having more game time. This is not the first time it has happened,” he said.
He said Fiji should adopt the approach used during the 1970s and 1980s, when the national side regularly played club or provincial teams before Test matches.
“Fiji Rugby Union should try to do what we used to have back then in the 1970’s and 1980’s by playing a warm-up game against a club or union team before a Test match. Game time is important.
“These players are professionals, but they come in from different clubs. That’s why the importance of having a warm-up game is something FRU should look into.”
Naiteqe said warm-up matches would also benefit the coaching staff by allowing them to assess combinations and identify weaknesses across the travelling squad.
“With a pool of 35 players travelling, a warm-up game also gives the head coach a chance to identify weaknesses, especially considering we have a new coach.
“This is a good team with good players, but they just need game time.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Test against England, Naiteqe said Fiji must improve its mental toughness and reduce unforced errors.
“Every second and every minute matters, but we saw some silly mistakes. Playing England is not easy. They just need to get the basics right.
“Hopefully they learn from the Wales game. We will continue to support them in our prayers.”
Fiji takes on England at 1.10am on Sunday.
