The FIJI Water Flying Fijians are gearing up for a challenging match against France this Sunday in Bordeaux, as both teams look to bounce back from recent defeats. France, currently ranked fifth in the world, is eager to restore their pride after a 32-17 loss to South Africa last week. With the home advantage, the French team, known as Les Bleus, aims to make a statement against the Fijians in front of their passionate supporters.
The Flying Fijians hold a memorable victory over France from 2018, when they managed a historic 21-14 triumph in Paris. This victory marked Fiji’s first win over France in 60 years, a moment celebrated in Fijian rugby history. However, more recently, France delivered a strong rebuttal with a 34-17 win in a warm-up match for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This history adds a layer of intensity to this weekend’s clash.
Josua Tuisova, a pivotal player in the Fijian side and a seasoned competitor in France’s Top 14 league, understands the challenges posed by his French counterparts. Tuisova, expressing anticipation for the upcoming encounter, remarked on the physical nature of the game, highlighting the need for Fijian forwards to rise to the occasion. “Playing France is going to be tough. We have to match their physicality,” he stated.
Fellow teammate Viliame Mata echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a robust forward performance. “It’s going to be a physical battle upfront. We need to step up and disrupt their momentum,” Mata commented, underlining the strategy that the Flying Fijians will have to employ to level the playing field.
Both teams are coming into this match with motivations high, as Fiji seeks to improve their current ninth-place world ranking. A decisive victory over France by 15 points or more could significantly enhance Fiji’s ranking. The match is scheduled for this Sunday, November 16, at 8:10 AM Fiji time, presenting a critical opportunity for the Flying Fijians to showcase their resilience and competitive spirit.
As they prepare for this significant international match, the Flying Fijians are hopeful that they can regain momentum, not only for this encounter but also as they build towards future tournaments, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With unwavering support from their fans, the team aims to put forth a performance that represents growth in their rugby journey while inspiring pride in their nation.