We will reset and go again. This was the comment of FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne as they prepare for their third Test against Spain on Sunday.
This followed their historic 24-19 win against Wales at Principality Stadium yesterday morning (Fiji time).
It was the first time for the Fijian side to beat the Welsh in Cardiff.
A scrappy first-half included yellow cards for both sides as well as a red for center Semi Radradra, saw Wales seize an early advantage as they looked to end a nine-match losing streak. However, an impressive Fiji battled back after the break to snatch a historic win.
“We got Spain next, played well on the weekend they got a good victory and going in high and in good form,” Byrne said. “We need to reset ourselves and go again – if we do that then we putting ourselves in good place to build on that to go into the Ire-land week.”
He added that playing Europe teams at their home grounds was a great experience for the Flying Fijians.
“I am just ecstatic for the players. I know how hard they have worked.
“There are some players who have played in this ground a few times and haven’t had a success. For them to have the success tonight (yesterday) was brilliant,” he said.
“Real satisfaction and it was a job well done and the result came.”
Byrne praised Fiji first-five eight and the player of the match Caleb Muntz, who scored a try and successfully converted it with four penalties; he only failed to convert Josua Tuisova’s try.
“Caleb is growing in every game, he is a young player, he’s only had one full season of Super Rugby and got injured during the World Cup.
“I think he probably stamped himself in Tier One rugby, not many fly-halves come out and do what they do on Principality Stadium today.
“We had a number of new players come in, but the jersey is still the same colour. And while it might be different people wearing the jersey, it’s about putting some pride back into the jersey. I think they did that this week.”
Byrne hopes that Fiji would be included in the Nations Cup in 2026 for a great build up towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji will play Spain at 2am on Sunday at José Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid, before their final match against Ireland on November 24.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
