THE continued growth of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians team through their recent performances in the Pacific Nations Cup has been reassuring, says Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday.
Sanday said this when asked what he thought of the team’s 63-10 win over Canada in the semi-final on Monday.
And with captivating performances shown prior to the PNC such as their July Test matches against the Wallabies in Newcastle, Australia and Scotland at home, Sanday said it was a step in the right direction.
“But the fact that we are continuing to progress and show maturity in the decision-making and the options taken, it’s reassuring to see the continued growth in the team,” Sanday said.
“The point is the growth in the structure, the score line on the systems and the way they play the game.”
“Well, despite the big score margin, I think what we really need to focus on is the underlying game patterns and the game systems that the boys were using,” Sanday said.
He said to put aside the score and to observe the game patterns being executed by the Flying Fijians on the field which he added, reflected the growth taking place within the team.
“It’s stepping up each game and getting better. As I said previously, playing against Tonga and Samoa is a lot more different because there’s a lot more emotions involved and it’s just a different mindset involved there.
“So it’s hard to compare, but when we play each other in the region, it’s a much higher elevated status and we bring a lot of emotion to it.”
Fiji earned its semi-final spot after finishing top of the pool due to wins against Tonga 32-10 last month and Samoa 29-15 earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians are in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA this week for the final of the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan.
The match kicks off at 1.35pm this Sunday at the America First Field.
