Our loss to Fiji on Saturday was a wake up call - Maori All Blacks lock Franklin

Our loss to Fiji on Saturday was a wake up call - Maori All Blacks lock Franklin
[R] Maori All Blacks lock Tom Franklin [Photo:Getty Images]

Maori All Blacks lock Tom Franklin says their loss to Fiji on Saturday was a wake-up call for their side.

Franklin says it was a bit of a smack in the face for the boys but they have been working really hard and everyone has been doing their part behind the scenes to get ready to battle against the Fijians and try to redeem themselves.

He says they were not surprised by the way Fiji played, they were disciplined, they held the ball for long periods of time and  they've got that Fijian flair with the offloads which is pretty hard to stop.

Franklin says their focus this week has been on being smarter across several smaller aspects of their game.

He adds the fact they hadn't played together was not an excuse.

He says they have good rugby players who have been playing in the Super Rugby competition and they should have been better so they are looking forward to the game on Saturday.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians will play the Maori All Blacks at 7.35pm Saturday in Rotorua.

FNRL

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
LIVE SCORES
Panthers vs Broncos 9:50PM
Sharks vs Knights 8:00PM
Roosters vs Story 10:00PM
Spain vs Argentina 7:00AM
Drua Women vs Reds 1:05pm
Western Force vs Waratahs 6:05pm
New Zealand vs Ireland 7:10PM
Japan vs France 8:40PM
Australia vs Italy 10:10PM
Macuata vs Cakaudrove 3:00pm
Vatukoula vs Tavua 3:00pm
RA vs Northern Bulls 3:00pm
Cakaudrove vs Bua 11:00AM
Tavua vs Yasawa
Northern Bulls vs Northland