Slow start a worry: Coach

Slow start is still an issue the Flying Fijians need to work hard on as they come to the business end of the Pacific Nations Cup. 

Yesterday, the Flying Fijians had to crawl their way back to trail Manu Samoa 12-15 at halftime before finishing off as 29-15 victors. 

The Samoans led 8-0 at the opening 10 minutes from an unconverted try to hooker Pita Anae- Ah Sue before Rodney Iona kicked over a penalty to the delight of Samoan fans at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand last Saturday. 

Speaking after the match Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne said he had to address the issue with the players at halftime. 

“Full credit to Samoa, they played good footy and we struggled to keep up with them,” he said. 

Byrne said the message at halftime was for the players to be aggressive in defence and increase their physicality. 

Captain Tevita Ikanivere said they had talked about an early start but were in for a shock instead. 

“I’m so grateful to the boys for digging deep to make the comeback,” Ikanivere said. 

Samoa blindside flanker Taleni Seu was red carded after receiving two yellow cards. 

The Flying Fijians scored a bonus point in the win from the tries scored by Ikanivere, Seta Tamanivalu, Simione Kuruvoli and Kalaveti Ravouvou. Caleb Muntz kicked over two conversions and a penalty while Kemu Valetini landed a late conversion. 

A disappointed Manu Samoa head coach Tusi Pisi said bad decision making had let them down.