Improvements expected from Flying Fijians as Europe-based players join camp this week

With the Northern Hemisphere-based players now released by their respective clubs to join the Fiji Water Flying Fijians camp this week, expectations are high that there will be an improved performance against Wales next Monday.

The team, that was made up of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players, suffered a 57-17 loss against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Discipline in both attack and defence will be the key area that the Flying Fijians will be focusing on this week.

The team’s weaknesses in this area were evident against a formidable Scotland side who scored a total of 8 tries to Fiji’s 3.

Fiji received two yellow cards in the first 14 minutes of the match, the first was with veteran halfback Frank Lomani in the 5th minute for a deliberate knock-on, and the second was handed to centre Apisalome Vota in the 14th minute for an infringement in the ruck area.

Scotland capitalised on their numbers advantage and scored 4 tries and three conversions which helped them race to a comfortable 26-0 lead in the first 20 minutes.

Set pieces, both in scrums and lineouts, were also areas that the Scottish took advantage of and gained penalties from which ruined Fiji’s momentum while on the attack.

Fiji had a few chances to score more points in the match but they just could not finish off some good plays that they started. On a positive note, the back three were very steady under the high balls and were calm under pressure.

Some Europe based players like Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Sireli Maqala, Luke Tagi and Jiuta Wainiqolo are expected to join the squad this week.

The Flying Fijians have dropped to 10th place in the latest World Rugby Ranking after that heavy loss on Sunday. Fiji will take on Wales at 1.40am Monday at Millennium Stadium.