FIJI under-20 coach Kele Leawere expects his side to be put under pressure and stresses possession will be key when they play their first match against defending champion New Zealand during the Oceania U20 Championship in Australia this weekend.
“This first match won’t be a walk in the park,” Leawere said.
“Possession should be a key factor in our game to hinder their opportunities and apply early pressure.
“We need to stay calm as we know if we feel under pressure and seize up early will always give away tries.”
The U20 are currently at their base camp on the Gold Coast as last phase preparations before the tournament begins this weekend.
“The boys have matured immensely over this preparation block and thanks to the taste for top rugby in the Fiji Warriors, and also against the senior Skipper Cup teams, we know they won’t be intimidated coming into this match up,” the former Flying Fijians lock said.
Leawere believes while the Kiwis might put the Fijian boys under pressure their level of intensity will be the key as they defend and keep the play out of their 22, playing mature territorial rugby as much as possible.
“If the boys play territory they’re actually taking the game to New Zealand and with a well-structured set piece they can turn the table around.”
Fiji will play New Zealand this Friday at 7pm at the Bond University Rugby Club ground.
