The FIJI Water Flying Fijians faced another challenging match, suffering a 21-34 defeat against France in Bordeaux. This setback, following their previous loss to England (18-38), has sparked introspection and resolve within the squad as they continue to prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Head coach Mick Byrne reflected on the match, acknowledging that early lapses allowed France to establish a significant lead. However, he emphasized the team’s resilience and noted their ability to regroup during the game. “We let them get away early and did not quite hang onto the ball or play in the right areas,” Byrne stated. “But when we did, and we held onto our structure, we asked a lot of questions and got back into the game.”
Captain Tevita Ikanivere echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in the team’s potential. “We have the courage. We have the firepower to take on any team in the world. It comes down to the little moments and little disciplines, and I think we can do it come 2027,” he said, highlighting the team’s focus on honing their skills and strategies.
Despite the disappointing results, the players are eager to learn from these experiences. Fiji managed to narrow the gap to just seven points before France pulled away again, showcasing glimpses of their capability. They will look to consolidate their strengths and address crucial areas of improvement as they prepare for their final Autumn Test against Spain this Sunday at the Estadio Ciudad de Malaga.
The upcoming match against Spain offers the Flying Fijians an opportunity to end their Autumn Tour on a high note. Supporters are hopeful that the team’s persistence and lessons learned will contribute to a stronger performance, igniting a renewed sense of confidence as they head toward future challenges, including the prestigious 2027 Rugby World Cup. As they continue to evolve as a competitive force in international rugby, the Flying Fijians remain a team to watch in the coming years.