The performance of the four FIJI Water Flying Fijians debutants that appeared in the team’s first Pacific Nations Cup match against Tonga was praised by captain Tevita Ikanivere and head coach Mick Byrne.
The quartet who made their debut in the white jumper were Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Taniela Rakuro and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
“I think they were great. Congratulations to them again, just looking forward to building again and looking forward to going to New Zealand to play some more,” Ikanivere said.
Head coach Mick Byrne shared his thoughts on how the four debutants fared on the field.
“Tui (Tuidraki Samusamuvodre) was really good. He controlled the game wellout there, it was a frustrating game, we weren’t able to get our continuity as well as we’d like but he looked very composed out there,” Byrne said.
“I thought Eto (Etonia Waqa) was great, he looked like he was going to get away on a couple of occasions and I would like to see a bit of those in the next game but he was good as well.
“When Moti (Motikiai Murray) came on, he was nice and hard at it.
“I think it was Taniela’s try. It was his first touch and first try so that was good and he got his chance to run as well so they all held themselves well today and they’ll be better for it.”
They were called in to join the team to fill in the vacancies left by European-based players who have returned to their respective clubs ahead of the start of a new season of competition later this year.
The four players are also part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.