FIJI Water Flying Fijians: We’ll Be Ready for Them – Mick Byrne

FIJI Water Flying Fijians Head Coach Mick Byrne has declared that this Sunday’s match against the Wallabies marks the beginning of a crucial two-year campaign against Tier One nations, including their upcoming participation in the newly formatted Nations Cup.

The Flying Fijians will face Australia at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, kicking off a series of 10 high-stakes Test matches over the next two years. This also sets the stage for their involvement in the Nations Cup, a competition that will pit Fiji against some of the world’s best rugby nations.

The Nations Cup will feature Six Nations teams and SANZAAR nations, plus invited unions Fiji and Japan.

“We need to step up and go well, and the players—the men here have been tremendous in getting themselves ready for that,” Byrne said.

Acknowledging a revamped Wallabies side under new leadership, Byrne expects a different challenge compared to their 2023 World Cup encounter.

“I think they have a different approach and program. They’ll be just another Wallabies team that’s prepared really well—they’ve got a good coaching group, and they’ll bring the intensity,” Byrne said. “I’m not sure they’ll have their eye on two years ago; I think they’ll be focused on Sunday’s Test, and we’ll be ready for that.”

Byrne emphasized that the immediate focus is on the Wallabies clash, calling it the most important game at the moment.

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians take on Australia this Sunday, 6th July, at 3:30 PM (Fiji Time). Fans can catch the LIVE broadcast on FBC Sports.