Final test: Sewabu says Flying Fijians can match French XV

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The Flying Fijians win possession during a line-out in their match against Uruguay last weekend. Picture: HARTPURY RFC

THE Fiji Airways Flying Fijians will take the positives from their 68-7 win over Uruguay to boost its campaign against France this weekend, says Koli Sewabu.

The former Flying Fijians flanker who has played twice against the French team said Fiji had the ability to match its opposition in all facets of the game.

He said the mixture of structure and flair would also boost Fiji’s campaign against the tier one French team.

Sewabu played against France at the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cup and believed the Fijians would do well despite the lack of quality preparation time.

He said the forwards had been competitive in their past games and would play a vital role in matching the opposition this weekend.

“We have shown that we have competed well in the set pieces especially in the scrums and line-outs,” said Sewabu.

“We’ve also seen against Uruguay the accuracy in the scrums and line-outs especially the speed of the ball in terms of set piece play and we must maintain that against France.

“We have a mobile tight five and the athletic ability of our loose forwards in combining structure and flair so if we are able to control and manage the game well than we can come out victors.”

Sewabu said the win over Uruguay should set a platform against France and the boys should build their confidence from there.

“The Scotland game was difficult for the boys because the players had to rejoin their clubs after camping then return to prepare for the game.

“Uruguay may not be as strong as Scotland and France, but the boys need to take the positives out of this win and prepare for France.

“We have shown that we can match tier one teams in the forwards which gives us the confidence to create opportunities.”

Head coach John McKee will also have the opportunity to select the strongest squad after analysing the team’s performance and combination against Scotland and Uruguay.

Some players who are likely to retain their spots in the final Europe tour match against the French team this weekend are Ben Volavola, Jale Vatubua, Semi Radradra Josua Tuisova, Eroni Sau, Metuisela Talebula, Frank Lomani, captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Leone Nakarawa, Albert Tuisue, Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato, Mesulame Dolokoto, Campese Ma’afu and Manasa Saulo.

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