The success of a tier two nation like Fiji is a direct correlation between the amount of games and the types of games they’re playing.
This was the sentiment of Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua as he reflected on the FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ recent performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup during an interview in France.
Fiji’s success, he stated, was drawn from its domestic-based players who competed in the Drua franchise that took part in the Super Rugby.
Mapusua told supersport.com: “We’re so proud of what they’re doing at the moment and seeing their lead into the World Cup, playing France and England and then going straight into Wales and beating Australia, that’s pretty impressive to be doing that week in week out.”
Mapusua said his country and Tonga would benefit from a similar development model that had seen Fiji take the Rugby World Cup by storm.
After Australia’s second defeat in the pool stages, Fiji looks set to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.
The Simon Raiwalui-coached side defeated Australia 22-15 in Pool C, but went down to Wales 26-32 in its opening match.
The side will face Georgia at 3.45am on Sunday.
