Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee believes that Tier 2 teams must play Tier 1 nations more often to improve and realise their full potential.

McKee’s comments come in the wake of former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry saying Fiji needed to play “bigger” teams before the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Sir Graham had said that teams like Fiji and Japan needed to get experience by playing against bigger teams.

“For us and other Tier 2 teams, we benefit from playing Tier 1 nations because the intensity is at a greater level,” McKee said.

“We’ve had quite a number of Tier 1 tests in this cycle leading up to the World Cup. Last year, we played Scotland and France.

“So, from the other Tier 2 nations, we’ve probably had more Tier 1 tests than anyone else in this last cycle and we’re pretty happy with that.”

Fiji last played a Tier 1 team last November, where they recorded a 21-14 win against France at the Stade de France in Paris.

In 2017, the Flying Fijians also beat Scotland 27-22 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians (left-right) Levani Botia, Nemani Nagusa, Peceli Yato, Leone Nakarawa, Serupepeli Vularika (with ball), Peni Ravai, Api Ratuniyarawa, Sevanaia Galala during training at Albert Park, Suva on August 5, 2019. Photo: Simione Haravanua

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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