The Vodafone Flying Fijians should offer no excuses and make the country proud against the Wallabies on Saturday, says Akapusi ‘Q’ Qera.

The Tubou, Lakeba, Lau native and team captain made the comment before the team departed for Melbourne yesterday.

“Some say we don’t have enough time to prepare. I don’t think we should be making excuses. We need to prove ourselves, stand up and be counted and make the country proud,” Qera said.

“We already created a winning environment in camp and the message was for all to do their level best and enjoy playing for Fiji.”

Qera said the game against the Wallabies should be a good test for the new players and the forwards as they prepare for the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifiers next month.

“It’s going to be a good test and the Wallabies are a tough unit to battle upfront

“It’s an honour for me to lead Fiji again. The team is a good blend of young and experienced players.

“After three days together, we have the boys who can deliver on game day.”

MA’AFU: WE CAN DO IT AGAIN

Vodafone Flying Fijians prop Campese Ma’afu believes the forwards can repeat their 2015 Rugby World Cup performance against the Wallabies on Saturday.

The tight-five of Ma’afu, Sunia Koto and Manasa Saulo, Leone Nakarawa and Api Ratuniyarawa/Tevita Cavubati held their own in the scrum against the Wallabies.

Saulo is unavailable as he will be playing for Toulon against Clermont in the Top 14 final today in France.

But with either Peni Ravai or Taranaki Academy prop Asaeli Sorovaki likely to replace him, Ma’afu said Fijians can front up.

“Definitely we can do it again,” he said.

“Australia has picked a strong pack of forwards but we both have something to prove.

“We just got to do well, put up our best performance and believe in ourselves.”

The 32-year old, who hails from Tonga and has maternal links to Tavuki Village, Kadavu says it will be a tough contest.

“Expect a tough match as we are playing one of the best teams in the world. But for me, playing for Fiji is always special and I’m to do my best as always.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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