The Flying Fijians have discussed about the importance of working together as a unit if they are to maintain Ireland in Sunday’s (Fiji time) Test clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

This was the view of veteran halfback Frank Lomani during a zoom session with the media on Wednesday night.

“We spoke about the last few days that Ireland was the number one team in the world a few months ago,” the newly appointed Fijian Drua co-captain said.

“At the moment they (Ireland) are so vulnerable that as a team and a group we can counter on that.”

Lomani highlighted that they have been training hard under wet conditions throughout the week.

“I think we are in good form moving into the weekend,” he said.

Lomani said they would need to be cohesive in attack and defence against the Irish who are very structured in their game.

“They (Ireland) are still in the top three (world rankings) and if we keep playing the way that we played in the last two games; I think we will do better,” he said.

Lomani said it was about time the Flying Fijians should be beating Tier One nations.

“If you see the statistics way back, we’ve almost beaten Wales three or four times, it’s always a close contest most of the time.

“We almost beat Ireland by one point in 2017, so this team has come a long way,” he said

“Now we are starting to realise, we’re getting our confidence going to big games knowing that if we can beat teams like Wales, Australia, England and then we can beat other teams too.”

Lomani said the team would need to maintain their discipline if they are to defeat Tier One nations.

“Discipline plays a massive role in this game, as long as the players stick together. Trust and stick to the game plan; we are going to be on point.

“We are improving, and the law is not only for island teams but for all, so we are just going to abide by it,” Lomani said.

“Rugby is not a perfect game; it has an oval ball that can bounce either way, so the thing is we make mistakes.

“Ireland hasn’t been playing well as they lost to New Zealand but they almost got beaten last week (by Argentina) so that’s rugby.

“That won’t change the way we prepare going into this week and consistency is something that we’ve been talking about, trust and being patient about it.”

Outstanding Players 

Lomani said he was impressed with 18-year-old lock Setareki Turagacoke after scoring on his Test debut against Spain.

He described Turagacoke as an enthusiastic player and quick learner. “It’s good to have him especially for coming through the pathway,” he said.

“It can be challenging coming into a new environment having players that you used to watch on TV before and being in camp is one of his highlights of his career.”

Lomani said Turagacoke journey is a testament to young rugby players that their becoming a Flying Fijian can be a reality.

Also, he praised the inclusion of winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa to replace the suspended Semi Radradra.

Lomani said Dakuwaqa is an asset to the team as he brings speed to the team’s attack.

“Having Dakuwaqa in the squad is a big boost for us. He’s great player, physical and a good player that we’d like to have,” he added.

The match kicks-off at 3.10am.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj