There is a big gap in terms of conditioning and game speed between players playing in the Skipper Cup and those in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

This was the view of Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne during an interview with SUNsports yesterday. He was responding to why Naitasiri hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua was the only local-based provincial player named in the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.

“At this early stage, we got a full professional rugby like set-up like getting up in the morning, training and going to work (rugby),” Byrne said.

“One of our challenges moving forward is to ensure that our Skipper Cup teams are working hard towards the level of rugby and the fitness level that we want.”

Byrne said he was looking forward to working with the Skipper Cup coaches to ensure that the gap between the two competitions is narrowed.

“We got some good scientific feedbacks from our players who were in the Skipper Cup this year; regarding energy and numbers,” he said. “There are some real good talents that we’ll be looking forward to bringing through to the Fijians Warriors programme.”

Byrne said he was hopeful that the group of talented players from the Skipper Cup could be recruited to the Drua franchise club.

“These players might push themselves into our team through the Warriors,” he said.

Depth for No.12 spot

Meanwhile, the selection of France-based Adrea Cocagi into the Flying Fijians squad is to add depth to the second-five eighth position.

Cocagi is a sepcialised second-five eight featuring prominently for Castres in this seson’s Top 14 competition.

“Cocagi is a good strong running player in the midfield,” Bryne said.

“We are looking forward to him coming in the campaign as well.”

Cocagi has played two Test matches for the Flying Fijians under head coach Vern Cotter.

He hails from Nuku Village in Serua and played for Lomary Secondary School before he signed up with NRL (National Rugby League) club Newcastle Knights.

Byrne said the PNC campaign would be the platform for him to gauge the players. “Cocagi is a good strong running ball carrying player, which is what we’re going to need when we take on our Pacific brothers,” he said.

Byrne said hooker Zuriel Togiatama has missed selection due to family issues in Auckland, New Zealand.

“I’ve spoken with Simione Kuruvoli and he has been playing since the World Cup and all the way through.

“I think he deserves a break and he’ll be spending some time with his family.”

The 30-member Flying Fijians squad report to camp tomorrow.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj