"IF our defence is good, we can take on any team in Europe."
That's the word from former Flying Fijians 'hitman' Viliame Satala as the national team rounded off training in Suva yesterday in preparation for the upcoming Europe tour.
The Flying Fijians leave our shores on Friday for Europe where they will play four games including two Tests against England and Georgia.
Satala said when playing a top team like England, they would have to put more effort on defence.
The Namoli man was drafted into the Flying Fijians side early this month to work with the backline mainly focusing on defence.
"We just have to be right up there with our defence," Satala said.
"That is something I have been working hard on with the players during training."
Satala said as Fijians, we don't worry so much about our attack because that was our strong area.
"We don't need to be taught anything more about attack because we're good at it but defence is one of our weak areas.
"I have also been working hard with players on another area of our game which needs to be improved and that is communication during the game.
"Players need to communicate so everyone knows what is happening during the game and that is very important."
Satala said another area he had focused on during training was for each player to know his role in the team.
"These are some areas where we just need to be perfect on when we play teams like England."
Satala said he had been working very closely with local backline players in the team as this would be their first Europe tour.
"I also have been passing to them tips on what to expect if they are selected to play England especially as the weather will be different and the crowd will be the biggest they ever face in their rugby career," Satala said.
"But the most important thing is that they will need to focus on the job they've been selected to undertake."
Satala said he was happy with what they had achieved during the four weeks of training.
"I believe we have achieved a lot during our time in camp and all that is left is to join up with Europe-based players and prepare for the first game."
The Flying Fijians backline had to make two replacements because of injury to Nemia Kenatale and Josaia Lotawa.
"Yes, we've got the replacements for the two injured players but the boys are not worried about the late inclusion and they're all looking forward to the tour and the Tests," Satala said.
The Flying Fijians will present its i tatau to the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at Government House this morning before attending a farewell church service at the Wesley Church in Butt St, Suva.
They will fly out from Nadi International Airport on Friday morning.