Fiji Rugby Union Press Release: Monday 21st May 2007

Tabua ‘very satisfied’ with FMF Flying Fijians

FMF Flying Fijians coach Ilivasi Tabua gave praise to his young set of players that stood tall in Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup defeat in Samoa, saying he was “very satisfied with the performance.”

“We selected a very new team, and a very young team.” Tabua said. “Many people were writing us off given the strength and experience of the Samoans. But the boys showed us exactly why they deserved to be selected.”

With six new caps in the starting line-up and two more earning their first Test cap off the bench, the FMF Flying Fijians provided stiff opposition to a Samoan line-up that featured names like Lima, Sititi, Sooiala, Faatau, Levi and Crichton.

Though Samoa won the intense, competitive encounter 8-3, Tabua believes his players will grow from this match.

“Defensively, I thought the boys were outstanding. They absorbed a huge amount of pressure, and kept their composure, especially when Wame Lewaravu was in the sin-bin.”

“This was a very positive experience for the Fiji boys. We fielded only three players with 10 caps or more, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more from these players. This is something we can build on.”

“Michael Jones came to see us after the game and congratulated us on the way we played. In the end, it was only the bounce of the ball that cost us the game.”

The FMF Flying Fijians host Japan this Saturday in Lautoka.