EDITORIAL: Flying Fijians On Course For 2019 Cup So, Let’s Not Rest On Our Laurels, But Continue With Our Preparations
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Monday 26 November 2018 | 12:35
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians reps from left: Vereniki Goneva, Manasa Saulo and Eroni Mawi in Paris.
Yes! Our Fiji Airways Flying Fijians scored another first yesterday by beating Tier 1 nation France 21-14 for the first time.
And what made it special was that we beat them right on their home ground at Stade de France in Paris.
This improves the Flying Fijians record of winning their last four games on French soil - USA (2014), Japan (2016), Canada (2017) and now France.
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Flying Fijians head coach John McKee, who earlier in the week predicted that they were going to win, said after the match that he had seen it coming through the hard work the players put in.
He said the players also showed a lot of spirit in their preparations, which reflected in their game and gave the result they had wanted.
However, the wily 61-year-old warned that from now on they needed to put in more work as they gear up towards the Rugby World Cup in Japan, which is less than a year away.
With the backing of the Fiji Rugby Union, this is what McKee and his coaching staff have been working on for the past four years.
The Flying Fijians are in a tough World Cup pool where they face Australia, Wales, Uruguay and Georgia.
The Flying Fijians must continue working hard towards the cup.
There are more great moments ahead if we plan and keep our focus on what needs to be done.
The November Test matches have also resulted in the emergence of talented players such as Samuel Matavesi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Veremalua Vugakoto, Eroni Mawi, Albert Tuisue, Semi Kunatani, Frank Lomani, Eroni Sau and Alivereti Veitokani. They have created depth in the Flying Fijians squad.
It also underscores Fiji Rugby Union's continuing development work.
So, let’s not rest on our laurels, but continue with our preparations. The win over France indicates that the Flying Fijians are on the right path.
There’s no problem in celebrating the win, but remember from today, it’s best to leave it behind us as we persevere to achieve something greater.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
