“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. 

FRU has began process to have the Flying Fijians play the British & Irish Lions on their New Zealand tour in 2029.

Sowakula was not named in the Match 23 squad that was announced by head coach Mick Byrne on Thursday.

Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson confirms Waqa underwent finger surgery after Pacific Nations Cup final.

“It is an individual challenge but it is also… there are not many teams who play the way they do and have threats all over the park. It is definitely a heightened awareness on that.” 

“It’s only one win, there’s loads we can get better at, but we know how dangerous the Fijians are going to be.