With the inclusion of four debutants in the final 32-member squad for the July Tests against Scotland and the Wallabies, FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says they have been enlisted for the energy they possess.
Byrne shared this, with the likes of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players such as Philip Baselala and Kavaia Tagivetaua, and others including Hawkes Bay player Sam Wye and former Hurricanes player Salesi Rayasi being named in the team.
“I think with all young players, you just want energy,” Byrne told this newspaper.
He added being young and part of the team also meant not having much pressure placed on them.
“I think the challenge is that probably up to us as coaches, not to put too much onto them as well,” he said.
“We don’t expect them to be the best player on the ground, we don’t expect them to lead anyone.
“We just expect them to come in, understand their role and bring lots of energy, and all these young players do that really well.”
Since being noticed for their agility and talent on the field, players such as Baselala and Rayasi for instance, have in the past, expressed their interest in donning the white jumper.
And with the chance to wear the Flying Fijians jersey now within reach, Byrne acknowledged the vision conceived by these young players and how they are accommodated.
“Your dream to wear a white jersey is going to happen and they can’t get bogged down with that,” he emphasised.
“They’ve got to see that as an exciting opportunity and that’s on us to make sure they feel that way.”
Meanwhile, the final squad was named in Suva on Wednesday.
The squad is expected to assemble on June 26. The overseas-based players will join the squad on June 27.
The Flying Fijians face the Wallabies in their first Test on July 6 in Newcastle, Australia and then Scotland in their second Test on July 12 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
