FLYING Fijians head coach Inoke Male is banking on last Friday's win by the Fiji Warriors in the Pacific Rugby Cup to inspire Fiji in next month's northern hemisphere tour.
The Flying Fijians had their first training session in Suva yesterday as they prepare for the Europe Tour where they will play four games including two Tests.
"Definitely the performances of our local team (Warriors) will boost the morale of this team as we prepare for the Europe tour," the former national number eight said. Male said they would focus on team building on the first few days of training as they wait for the arrival of the rest of the squad from New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
Male said they would work with the Navy training team in the first three days concentrating on team building
The only two overseas-based players at yesterday's training session at the High Performance Unit gym in Suva were New Zealand-based lock Apisalome Ratuniyarawa and Western Force's Super Rugby winger Samu Wara.
Male expects the other overseas-based players apart from those based in Europe- to be in camp by next week.
"At the moment we have 15 players in camp and by Monday next week we expect all local, NZ, Australia and Japan-based players in the country."
On what type of rugby he expects when they take on England in the first Test, Male said it would be the typical English type of rugby based on their forward play.
"They will always be physical upfront and will try to dominate in the forwards where they will try to play 10-man rugby," he said. Male who was also a member of the coaching team during the last Flying Fijians Europe Tour said he was looking forward to joining the Europe-based players when they arrive in London.
Male said these players would bring the experience needed to help the local-based players when playing over there.
"The overseas players will bring in their experience of playing in the same environment as the players in the UK and will also adapt to the climate well enough compared to local players," Male said.
New scrum coach Cameron Blades yesterday joined the team and is expected to start work with the forwards this week.
The former Wallaby is expected to work hard on an area of our game which needs to be improved before we face England in the first Test. The Flying Fijians will open their 2012 Europe Tour with the Test against England on November 10 before they take on top English club Gloucester on November 13, Ireland A on November 17 and end the tour with another Test against Georgia on November 24.
The Flying Fijians squad:
Setefano Somoca, Deacon Manu, Ratu Penijamini Makutu, Manasa Saulo, Campese Ma'afu, Seremaia Naureure, Vesi Rarawa, Viliame Veikoso, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Api Naikatini, Sekonaia Kalou, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Iliesa Ratuva, Samu Bola, Netani Talei, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Malakai Ravulo, Josefa Domolailai, Nemani Nagusa, Maikeli Mocetadra, Watisoni Votu, Nikola Matawalu, Nemia Kenatale, Metuisela Talebula, Josh Matavesi, Jonetani Ralulu, Kelemedi Bola, Vereniki Goneva, Josaia Lotawa, Timoci Matanavou, Ravai Fatiaki, Samu Wara, Simeli Koniferedi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Aisea Natoga