WINNING remains the priority, but for FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Jake White, the November Nations Championship tour is also about establishing standards, assessing players and stabilising the national side.
White outlined his three-stage vision during his first press conference as head coach, identifying the current campaign as the foundation for a longer-term rebuilding program.
“Obviously, when you’re a Test coach, you want to win every time you play.
“We divided three things. This campaign is about stabilising. Next year is about building depth and spending some time in Fiji with a community game and the Drua. And then obviously, the last block is to pitch before the World Cup when we get our best players available out of Europe,” he said.
White finalised his squad last Friday, allowing more time to put players through their paces and establish the standards expected under his leadership.
An update on the Fiji Rugby Union’s social media pages confirmed the coaching team’s three-day Regulation 9 camp in Lyon, France, from October 26-28.
“With final selections yet to be confirmed, every session counts as the coaching team assesses player performances, combinations and readiness ahead of the November Test against France,” the statement said. Players returned to their respective clubs after Wednesday’s final session before regrouping in Lyon on Sunday, November 1, to prepare for the France Test on November 7. Rotation during the tour is expected to give White a valuable opportunity to assess players’ adaptability, combinations and understanding of his coaching methods and game approach.
His solesolevaki theme will also be tested, with collective responsibility and unity central to the culture he wants to establish.
Next year, the focus shifts to building squad depth through greater engagement in Fiji, including a community match and involvement with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
The final phase will be about assembling the strongest possible side, with Fiji’s Europe-based players available, ahead of the World Cup. For White, November is where that foundation begins.
Fiji plays France at 8.10am on Sunday. They then take on Ireland next Sunday before playing Italy in their last tour match on November 22.
