Flying Fijians preparing well to match Tonga's physicality
FIJI Water Flying Fijians will meet Tonga this Saturday at the HFC stadium
Tuesday 26 August 2025 | 03:00
FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad members Seta Tamanivalu (left) and Taniela Rakuro during the team’s training session at Albert Park, Suva on August 25, 2025.
Photo: FRU Media
Mick Byrne’s will prepare accordingly to match Tonga’s physicality when they face-off this Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.
Byrne said the Ikale Tahi who are fresh off their 30-16 win over the Manu Samoa displayed brilliant rugby against their Pasifika brothers.
He said they were expecting the same when the Fiji Water Flying Fijians host them in their Pacific Nations Cup opener.
Related stories
“They were speed at the ruck; they were very physical around the ruck. They had speed on their line speed at defense. So what they brought was what we’re preparing for and they showed that their good players are playing well,” Byrne said.
“We need to make sure this week we prepare ourselves exceptionally well and are ready to meet that challenge and challenge them back with what we can do.”
Speaking at the Fiji Rugby symposium , Byrne added that the high performance was crucial for any national team.
He said the five-day event would be a great foundation for rugby in the country if people know their respective roles to build a team to perform at their best.
“One of the key messages is the sort of people we have at the top end of the game, about being trustworthy and building integrity and discipline,” the former Drua coach said.
“It’s very hard to ask people to develop players the way you’d like them, unless they know what you’re thinking is, so this was a great opportunity to lay out the foundations of what we look for at the top end of the game, so that they’re very enthusiastic.”
He acknowledged provincial unions for developing players as well as through the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) Vodafone Deans competition.
“We saw on Saturday within the school system, how great that is, and there’s all the clubs around the country as well, so everyone’s aware of what it’s going to take to be a Flying Fijian.
He added that high performance is more than just rugby, it is about athletes’ understanding of nutrition, recovery and hydration. It also includes understanding leadership, culture and public speaking.
Meanwhile, the match on Saturday kicks off at 3pm.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
