Let’s not get carried away with the Flying Fijians performance in the first Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin last Saturday.

Even though we scored three tries, we came out second best with a 57-23 drubbing.

Like what Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter had said the current squad is still work in progress.

They are building up from where they had left off from last November’s Test match against Georgia.

The adage that, Rome was not build in a day, rings true in this process. The target for Cotter and Co. is the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

So, let’s be fair and support our players as they undergo the process.

Last Saturday, our boys were ruthless in both attack and in defence.

Their breathtaking performance would have just woken up the giants who will be well prepared in Hamilton.

The Flying Fijians should expect a different All Blacks side altogether.

Expect to watch a much faster, clinical and tactical approach that will avoid them being committed in the breakdown.

Heading into this Saturday’s second Test, physicality is not an option for the All Blacks so we have to be ready to chase the game.

Can we withstand the force or the second All Blacks wave?

We should be okay if we stand the second wave. This is possible if we are consistent, lift the intensity of our game, be physical, keep our discipline and play to the last whistle.

Now it’s time for the players to take ownership of the white jumper and come out prepared for a good game of rugby.

The likes of Leone Nakarawa, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Mesulame Kunavula, Sam Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu, Ben Volavola and Peni Ravai should step-up and assist captain courageous Levani Botea in leading the team.

Crusaders star Richie Mo’unga, Hurricanes enforcer, Ardie Savea and Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown may be considered this week.

Even veteran prop Joe Moody who was tied down with injury during the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition was seen training with the ABs yesterday.

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is likely to bring in Mo’unga to man the No.10 spot.

Mo’unga says, he is ready to play Fiji if given the chance by Foster.

He said these Fijian players were not known to most people in New Zealand since they play in Europe.

“These guys are rock stars over there (in Europe),” he said.

“I was well aware that this team have threats with their ball carriers you know Yato, Botia and Nemani Nadolo.”

As of now, the challenge for our players is to rise to the occasion and try to contain the ABs. This is part and parcel of their progress.

They’ve awoken the giant and they should take on the challenge to show what they are made up of.

There’s no turning back.

Feedback:  simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj