The local-based Flying Fijians have a lot on their shoulders says head coach Glen Ella before they left for the United Kingdom today.
The 11-local based reps which includes Nasoni Roko, the Bola brothers Kelemedi and Samu, Viliame Veikoso and Vereniki Sauturaga travel to the UK to join the overseas-based Flying Fijians and prepare for their opening Northern hemisphere tour match against Scotland.
“To bring them up from the level of rugby they were at which is provincial to test rugby was a big ask.
A lot of these boys will be making their debut and it was a big job to get them prepared,” Ella said.
Three coaches, Ella and his assistants Samu Domoni and Inoke Male worked tirelessly with FRU fitness trainer Naca Cawanibuka to bring the boys to tip top shape.
“That was the sole purpose of me coming to Fiji, to get them ready. After weeks of gruelling exercise and commitment, they are ready.”
Ella said he was happy with the local boys progress in camp and now looked forward to seeing them in action against the Scots.
“It’s a working progress, for now I am satisfied with the work they have done but I cannot be fully satisfied until I have seen them amongst the overseas players and gauge them from there.”
Ella said apart from the Northern hemisphere tour, the local players had a lot going for them as they had to come back and prepare for three more international games against Waratahs and Canada.
Fiji plays the first Test against Scotland on November 14 at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. The side faces Ireland a week later on November 21 at Royal Dublin Society Grounds. The three-match tour concludes with their last test against Romania on November 28.
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