2019 RWC: McKee maps RWC plans

Listen to this article:

The Flying Fijians pose for a group photo at the Varsity Weight Room in Akita City, Japan. Picture: Supplied/ FRU

FLYING Fijians rugby team head coach John McKee has his own way of creating the element of surprise against the Australian Wallabies when they meet in the first round of pool games in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Fijians arrived at Abashiri City on Friday and was greeted by a hospitable Japanese community led by their mayor and World Rugby head of development and international relations David Carrigy.

McKee said they’re on full training mode touching up and grasping some of their game plans before their first match against the Wallabies.

“The condition is little bit cooler than down South and made the boys really motivated in training so we’re having a morning gym session followed by a field session in the afternoon and working on a couple of things where we can catch the Wallabies by surprise,” said McKee.

The team had a physical and tough training session yesterday after the welcoming ceremony on Friday before their scheduled photo-shoot and other requirements given by the World Rugby before their first pool match.

Team captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu replied on behalf of the team and management after they were greeted in a traditional and formal manner at Abashiri.

“On behalf of our head coach, management and the team –– thank you very much and as we would say in Fijian –– vinaka vakalevu for hosting us to this memorable welcome ceremony.

“Our experience since our arrival in Japan has been so conducive for our program and the people have been so warm and very friendly.

“While rugby is our focus, the cultural experience is the added bonus for all of us and we truly appreciate your hospitality,” said Waqaniburotu.

Array
(
    [post_type] => post
    [post_status] => publish
    [orderby] => date
    [order] => DESC
    [update_post_term_cache] => 
    [update_post_meta_cache] => 
    [cache_results] => 
    [category__in] => 1
    [posts_per_page] => 4
    [offset] => 0
    [no_found_rows] => 1
    [date_query] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [after] => Array
                        (
                            [year] => 2023
                            [month] => 12
                            [day] => 19
                        )

                    [inclusive] => 1
                )

        )

)