Canada Head Coach Stephen Meehan says they will have to expect the unexpected when they face the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup this weekend.
Meehan says while many of Fiji’s top-tier overseas players will not be available, the Flying Fijians will still have a strong contingent of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players who consistently compete at a high level in Super Rugby Pacific.
He says Fiji will present a very different challenge from Japan, who Canada faced earlier in the competition last weekend.
Meehan says Japan are well-organised, diligent and disciplined, while Fiji can use their physicality and ability to move the ball in unpredictable ways to trouble opposition defences.
He says they are also aware Fiji are currently under an interim head coach and have brought in new Defence Coach David Ellis for the tournament.
Meehan says he is unsure how much impact Ellis can have in just a week or two, but Canada are expecting a free-spirited display and a challenge that can come in different ways whenever they face a Fijian side.
He says Canada will need to remain disciplined and stick to their game plan if they are to frustrate Fiji for long periods and create opportunities to impose their own attacking game.
Meehan says the key message for his players is to expect the unexpected and remain diligent and disciplined defensively.
The match also carries added significance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with Fiji and Canada drawn together in Pool C alongside Argentina and Spain.
However, Meehan expects Fiji to field a different and stronger side at the Rugby World Cup.
The Flying Fijians play Canda at 7pm Saturday at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.
Source: rugbypass.com
