Scoring points has never been Fiji’s problem.
Stopping them, however, is where new Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter believes World Cup matches will be won and lost.
The coach who guided Fiji to the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals in 2017, said building a disciplined defensive system without taking away the natural attacking instincts of the Bati would be his biggest priority ahead of this year’s tournament.
Drawn in Pool A alongside Australia, Switzerland and Ukraine, Potter said Fiji had to continue playing the exciting brand of rugby league it is known for.
“With the ball, we need to play the way Fiji play,” he said.
“We’ve got to open up the game a little bit to stress the opposition.”
But against the world’s leading nations, flair alone would not be enough.
Potter said Fiji had to match its attacking brilliance with defensive discipline and relentless effort.
“On the flip side, we need to make sure that our defence is pretty stout and diligent, disciplined and have a lot of energy,” he said.
He said controlling possession would also play a vital role.
“Control of the ball is so paramount.”
Potter has little doubt the Bati possess the attacking weapons to trouble any defence.
“We’ve got the ability to score points,” he said.
“We need to stop points.”
He said the difference between winning and losing at a World Cup often came down to the smallest details.
“There’s attack and defence, but there’s so much in those little things, those little details and those effort areas that we’re looking at.”
Those areas, Potter believes, will determine whether Fiji can challenge the game’s traditional heavyweights once again.
