Galthié backs Fiji: ‘They deserve respect’

Despite Fiji’s 21-34 loss to the French men, head coach Mick Byrne said his side bounced back well. 

France ran in four converted tries and slotted two penalties to secure a victory in Bordeaux while Fiji scored three tries which were all converted by halfback Simione Kuruvoli. 

Byrne said they made a few mistakes at the start of the match, including a yellow card to Selesitino Ravutaumada in the 14th minute as they were a man down. 

Ravutaumada redeemed himself and dived over for a try in the 40th minute; the other two tries were scored by centre Kalaveti Ravouvou and winger Jiuta Wainiqolo. 

“The guys were united and determined,” Byrne told the media after the match. 

“When we have the ball, we know how to play good rugby, and overall, we put them under pressure. So we’ve often proven that we can compete with the best rugby nations in Bordeaux.” 

He added their goal was to maintain possession and trust their system against France. 

“But the French team countered us in the contact areas and at the breakdown. They also reacted well in the second half by tightening up their game around their forwards. 

“We knew it would be a physical battle. That’s always the case against the French. Nevertheless, we wanted to match them and bring the necessary speed. Overall, we succeeded,” Byrne added. 

Fiji will take on Spain in Malaga next. 

Quality opposition 

Meanwhile, France’s head coach Fabien Galthié expressed his satisfaction with his team’s victory, emphasising the difficult circumstances and the quality of the opposition. 

He said the match went exactly as they imagined with the difficulties the Flying Fijians presented them. 

“Ultimately, we couldn’t control the course of the match. But in this type of game, against such an opponent, we expected to have problems. Now, we’re very satisfied with the victory,” Galthie told the media at the post match press conference. 

“We went up 21-0 at the start of the match, then 21-21, then 13-0. During the period when we conceded 21 points, we were penalised nine times. 

“Nine penalties, let’s say, easily avoidable, for offside positions behind rucks. And then, when the team reacted well, the substitutions did us good. It was a very difficult match, but we weren’t expecting anything else. 

“Honestly, it was a similar scenario two years ago (before the World Cup). We won thanks to an interception by Sekou Macalou. So, perfect content isn’t what we’re looking for. We’re looking to improve and find the right balance based on the current team composition, and also based on the opponent.” 

He added that there’s a preconceived notion about the Flying Fijians team that isn’t given the credit it deserves. 

“However, the Fijians are capable of beating any team in Europe. In fact, France experienced this firsthand in 2018. 

“The Fijians have always posed problems for all their opponents. In the current international calendar, this team now plays in a competition throughout the season with the Pacific (Nations) Cup. They therefore come into the match with a challenging series of games,” Galthié said. 

“The Fijians now have a province playing in Super Rugby. They are also much more organised and much better prepared as a team. They have New Zealand coaches, former coaches of the All Blacks. This team deserves respect. 

“If you were expecting a dominant performance, you need to understand the true nature of the opposition. So yes, the French team fulfilled its objective, under very difficult circumstances.”