Head coach John McKee believes it’s time the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians get the job done against the Maori All Blacks at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Saturday.

Four years ago, McKee’s men came close to getting the job done at the same venue but butchered a 26-10 halftime lead to lose 26-27.

Fiji has never beaten the Maori All Blacks since the 17-8 win in Dunedin in 1957. The best result to date was the 9-9 draw at Eden Park in 1970.

“We certainly want to give a good start to our campaign and we are working towards that as our big focus,”McKee said.

“They are a good side with some players coming out of the Super Rugby competition

“We know they are ready to go. They are little bit like us, trying their combination as they had not much training together.”

McKee said it would be a challenge selecting the match 23 after a grueling training session last week.

“Last week was a lot of hard work and this week will be more technical and will focus on our game plan.

“We want to start our campaign well with a success against the Maori All Blacks.

“We got a strong squad with a lot of players going head to head trying to get selected for that game.

“It is how you train everyday that will give you the best chance to put your hands up for selection.

“We look at the players how much effort they put in also off the field. It’s not only what happens in the park but the whole day and the week that makes talented and world class players.

RUNNING RUGBY

“When the overseas–based players come back home they know the style of game we play.”

McKee said three-day training in the Sigatoka including the sand dunes was a success.

“Good to get the boys together and they are all proud to represent Fiji,” he said.

Since the 3-3 draw at Albert Park in Suva in 1938, the teams have played 29 times with the Maori ABs winning 20, losing 7 and drawing twice.

Edited by Osea Bola

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