The FIJI Water Flying Fijians find themselves at a crucial juncture as they gear up to face France, following a challenging 18-38 loss to England. Backline coach Aaron Mauger remains optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing their resilience and self-confidence in the wake of the recent setback.
In reflecting on the match against England, Mauger remarked on the collective disappointment felt by the squad. He stated, “It’s been a big few days for us… literally everybody was disappointed with the outcome.” Nonetheless, he highlighted the positives, mentioning that “we were going toe to toe with one of the top four teams in the world,” pointing to several encouraging aspects that can be the foundation for improvement, even though they let the match slip away in the closing moments.
As they set their sights on the upcoming challenge against France, scheduled for Sunday, November 16, in Bordeaux, the Flying Fijians have swiftly turned their focus to preparations. Mauger noted, “We had a really good review yesterday… we are two days into our weekend preparations for the French, which is going to be another big battle.”
Players like Josua Tuisova are keenly aware of the adjustments needed to enhance their performance. Tuisova recognized the strength of the French team, renowned for its effective kicking game and physical prowess. He stressed the importance of matching the intensity of France’s forwards for the Fijians to secure a positive outcome.
This match is significant not just for the Flying Fijians but also for the French side, both teams eager to rebound from their recent defeats. Fans can anticipate an intense contest as the Flying Fijians look to transform their recent challenges into opportunities for growth. This encounter serves a dual purpose: testing their abilities and uniting the rugby community in Fiji, instilling hope for the nation’s rugby future.
As Fiji continues to evolve and strengthen its team in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, every match holds vital importance in reinforcing their skills and teamwork on the international stage. The determination and resilience displayed by the Flying Fijians reflect a promising trajectory for Fijian rugby, strengthening their aspirations for success against one of Europe’s premier teams.