Head coach Glen Jackson and CEO Mark Evans of SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua are both expressing optimism as the Fiji Water Flying Fijians gear up for a pivotal match against England, scheduled for tomorrow at 5:40 AM Fijian time. Jackson, who has firsthand experience of Fiji’s memorable victory over England, is confident that the team possesses the resolve and capability to achieve a repeat performance.
Reflecting on the previous victory, Jackson noted, “I was with the national team when we beat them, and we could have nearly had them at the quarterfinal too.” His sentiments are shared by CEO Mark Evans, who is eagerly anticipating the match, mentioning that his family will be at the stadium to support the Flying Fijians. “My children are going with their partners. I bought the tickets. I’m excited,” Evans shared.
Despite the enthusiasm, Evans acknowledged the challenge that England presents, especially following their recent strong showing against Australia. He highlighted England’s overall strengths, yet emphasized that the Flying Fijians have a robust lineup, particularly with the recent addition of athlete Peter Gus in the back row, which is expected to enhance their overall performance.
As the team prepares for what promises to be an electrifying encounter, both Jackson and Evans are hopeful about the Flying Fijians’ readiness. They aim to harness their past experiences, learning from narrow defeats against England, including a tight 30-24 loss during the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The excitement surrounding this match is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating Fiji’s distinctive style of rugby. With a strong roster and dedicated supporters, the Flying Fijians are ready to make their mark against one of rugby’s historical giants. Following this clash with England, Fiji will face France and Spain in upcoming tests, representing a crucial era in their rugby narrative.
The forthcoming kickoff at Twickenham is set to showcase both the skill and the spirit inherent in Fijian rugby, igniting hope and enthusiasm as the team embarks on a quest to make a significant statement in this fiercely competitive arena.