For the Flying Fijians playing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France is all business.
That was the gist of Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter’s message during a press conference at Rugby House in Suva yesterday.
“We’re not wasting time,” Cotter stressed.
“We’ve to get better in every game. Come the World Cup we’ve got to be stronger, tough and mentally tougher.”
Cotter said they need to work on how to manage their game right to the final whistle.
“We (Flying Fijians) should have beaten Wales but we gave it away in those last few minutes.
“We should work on how to manage our game right to the final whistle. It makes a big difference to win by three points or to lose by three.”
This, Cotter says, happened to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as they gave away a last minute penalty to lose 20-18 to the Force last Saturday.
He indicated the Flying Fijians have a tough November tour to Europe where they would play Test matches against Ireland, Scotland and the French Barbarians.
Cotter said for the Drua players they need to step-up when it comes to playing for the Flying Fijians.
This is where they play with the likes of Semi Radradra, Levani Botia and Waisea Nayacalevu.
He reiterated that this year is important for our preparations as the World Cup is set for next year.
Local talents
Cotter was impressed with the level of skills displayed during the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship after he watched the Nadroga and Tailevu clash at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, last Saturday.
“That game was played under very wet conditions but it was played with great spirits.
“I was impressed with the Nadroga side as they had a young team with some players from the HPU (High Performance Unit).
“Despite the wet conditions the Nadroga players were making those passes and creating spaces as well.
“The scrums were good too and there are lots of talents.”
Cotter said he has never been to a country where rugby is played everywhere.
“That is what I’ve been noticing everywhere I go,” he added.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said, he has been discussing with Cotter and mapping out plans for the World Cup.
FRU board chairman Humphrey Tawake said the board of directors have full confidence in Cotter as we prepare for the World Cup.