FORMER Flying Fijians 1991 Rugby World Cup team captain Mosese Taga admits this year’s line-up is the best Fijian team to represent the nation in the world event in Japan.
During an interview with Times Sports, Taga compared the previous World Cups and the standard of players in the team to this year’s squad.
He said Fiji had the capability to achieve their goals, but needed to sharpen up on certain areas of play.
“This is one the best teams that have left our shores given the experience and exposure they have and most of them have been involved in the highest level of competition that a player can ask for.
“On paper they have everything to match Australia and Wales in their pool matches,” said Taga.
In the past the Fijian forward pack has always been the weak link in certain areas such as scrums, mauls and line-outs, however it’s a different prediction for Taga this year.
The sudden twist of knee injury to Kalivati Tawake has left the side with no specialised tight-head prop however coach John McKee will improvise with his front rows during the competition.
“Tight head prop is a specialised position and is crucial in as far as scrums are concerned.
“McKee must have a backup given the importance of the position and how it can affect their chances of winning games.
“Some players can play both positions and some can play the three positions upfront.
“These players usually step up in situations like this and this is why they take them in tours like this. Obviously you don’t want injuries but we plan for unexpected events and we have experienced this before where players stepping up finally displacing the occupant but overall Fiji must be take control of the scrums to reach the quarters,” he said.
Meanwhile Taga believes in self-confidence and focus on the final part of preparation before the players run on to the field in their first match against Australia.
“Fiji have shown before that we can compete in the international arena and most of these reps have been impressive in the overseas clubs that they played for and I believe in them and I cannot see any reason why they cannot beat Australia or Wales and it probably boils down to how they feel on the day.”
