Battle Upfront Against Samoa

The Simon Raiwalui-coached FIJI Water Flying Fijians side is up for a significant battle upfront against Manu Samoa in Apia this Saturday.
Flying Fijians assistant coach Brad Harris made the comment while the team was training at Nadi International School yesterday.
Harris, while applauding the winning start against Tonga last week at Lautoka’s Churchill Park, he felt there were some areas of discipline they needed to work on this week adding that indiscipline gave away penalties.
“We started with two more tries which was really positive. After that some were a little bit fatigued; that is our main focus this week,” he said.
“We got quite a few penalties which led to Tonga getting some interest in their line half. We need to improve that area of discipline and game management this week.”
He said controlling the game led to putting their opponent under pressure.
“I have sorted it out and I think it is controlling the game. We were up 19-0. If we control that in the next two or three minutes hopefully getting out in their line is half putting them under pressure.”
As for the Samoans in Apia, the Flying Fijian assistant coach believes they will need to match up to their physicality.
“We have watched the game between Samoa and Japan, and it was a fantastic game. The strong Japan team reached the quarterfinals at the last World Cup,” he said.
“So, it was a fantastic result for Samoa going out there and playing real Pacific intent physically dominant set pieces, so we know that we are up for a significant battle upfront.
“If we can match that physicality like what we did against Tonga we can gain our way first.”
While there are 40 members in the Flying Fijians squad only 23 players will travel to Samoa tomorrow.
The team returns home next Monday.
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