Flying Fijians must balance attack, defence and contest against England: Volavola

Former Flying Fijians prop Peni Volavola has backed captain Tevita Ikanivere's call for greater balance in Fiji's game, saying the side must get its attack, defence and contest right if it is to challenge England on Sunday (Fiji time).

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, the former Flying Fijians and Queensland Reds loosehead prop said Fiji needed a clear structure if they were to perform consistently as a Tier One nation in the Nations Championship.

“The captain is right when he said that they need to find a balance,” said Volavola, who is also an Australian Level 2 accredited coach.

“That balance is on their attack, contest and defence. They cannot emphasise on any two and for-get one. They have to balance the three.”

Volavola said the captain and vice-captain are the coach’s brain in the field of play.

“When things get out of hand, then they (captain and vice-captain) have to call the players together and lay out the structure, work on their set-piece and set-up their moves.”

He pointed out that No.8 Elia Canakaivata is playing more like a rugby league player and often gets isolated from the supporting players.

“He needs to cut out his individual play and use his skills to hold on to the ball.”

Volavola reiterated the need for a good No.10.

“If we look at the All Blacks, Wallabies, France or South Africa, the position of first five eight is very important because the No.10 deals with game management. The game is centered around him.

“I feel Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula is yet to reach the standard required for Test rugby. He is still young but will get to that level sooner or later.”

Muntz is unavailable for selection for the England match, then they must consider France-based Vilimoni Botitu.

The Castres utility back played at No.10 for the Flying Fijians in their quarterfinal clash against England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Volavola also highlighted the im-portance of the coaches to have a diplomatic approach towards the players.

“These players are not a bunch of schoolboys but they are professional players. Even some are millionaires so the respect and professionalism must be maintained at that level at all times,” he added.

England to end losing run

Meanwhile, the Steve Borthwick coached-side will be out to end their five-Test losing run.

However, things don’t look rosy for England as they are under injury crisis with the back-three being affected.

Concerns are on wing Cadan Murley and full-back Freddie Steward who are doubtful to start while George Furbank had his appendix removed at a Johannesburg hospital last Friday. He was unable to return home with the squad on Sunday night as a result of the procedure.

Borthwick is awaiting updates on the respective shoulder and ankle issues affecting Murley and Steward before making a decision on whether call-ups are needed to cover for the remainder of the tour.

“I don’t know the extent of the bumps and bruises,” the head coach said.

“When I get a full understanding of that, I will make a decision on who will come into the squad.”

This has open up the door for Ben-hard Janse van Rensburg whose eligibility on residency grounds begin on July 8.

South African-born Janse van Rensburg is set to be involved against Fiji at inside or outside centre in what will be his Test debut.

“He’s an excellent player, a very strong ball-carrier, a formidable tackler and works exceptionally hard off the ball,” Borthwick said.

“The most important thing, on top of that, is the character he brings. He’s an incredibly positive, energetic guy who lifts those around him because of his presence. I’ll pick the 23 I believe is the right 23 to get the result against Fiji and the performance we want next Satur-day.”

England spent the last few days at their Surrey training camp before heading to Liverpool to finalise their preparations.