Avoid slow start, coach Byrne

The Flying Fi­jians cannot afford an­other slow start against a fired-up Manu Samoa side in Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) clash at the Rotorua International Sta­dium in New Zealand.

The Flying Fijians struggled against Tonga as they trailed 0-7 at the start of the match.

The Tevita Ikanivere captained-side man­aged to claw their way back into the game by holding a slender 17-10 lead at halftime before pulling away with a 32-10 win.

"We were disappointed with our start," Ikanivere said.

"We talked about coming out in the first 20 and welcoming Tonga. But, thankful to the boys for com­ing back with great spirit and get­ting the win."

Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne said that his side had plenty to learn from that slow start.

"It was a tough one, our first game in- you could see they were match-hardened," he said.

"They started very well. We didn't get our game going as well as we would have liked and they controlled the tempo. We'll take some learnings from that."

The Samoans have been training hard in Rotorua yesterday, looking for their first win in the PNC and to steer their Rugby World Cup 2027 campaign back on track.

The Tusi Pisi-coached Manu Sa­moan side eyes for a top three PNC finish to automatically qualify for the RWC.

Also, joining Samoa in chasing for a RWC spot are Tonga, United States (USA) and Canada.

The Flying Fijians and Japan have already secured their RWC spots.

Meanwhile, Japan head coach Eddie Jones sees the PNC as an opportunity to further turn ideas into practice ahead of their tour of Europe in November.

"Last year we were runners-up in the competition, and this year our target is to go one better," Jones told Kyodo News.

"We've established the identity of Chosoku (super-fast) rugby, but we know we have to develop that style of play into a more winning style of play, and that will be one of the targets of the PNC."

In November, the Brave Blossoms travel to face No. 3 Ireland, No. 12 Wales and No. 11 Georgia with a plan also in place to face top­ranked 2023 World Cup winners South Africa.

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