Flying Fijians look to improve ranking

The Flying Fijians departed for Japan this morning for their two Pacific Nations Cup matches against the hosts and Samoa intent on fighting to the final whistle as they bid to improve Fiji’s ranking.

Fiji are 16th in the IRB ranking behind Tonga (9), Samoa (10), and Japan (14).

Male said winning the PNC will be a bonus.

“Our target is to improve our ranking,” Male said.

“Four Test matches in the next three weeks gives us that opportunity to do so. So the onus is on us to perform in the matches.”

He said the hosts will be tough to beat at home likewise the physical Samoans and Tongans.

“But, we will go in with our mindset ready to play. Japan with Eddie Jones as coach will be tough to overcome. Samoa and Tonga have named a lot of overseas-based players, that’s their decision to make. As for us we will take it a game at a time.”

Fiji will need to compete well as ranking will not only depend on their PNC outcome. U.S.A, Canada, will be meeting, as well as contesting matches from visitors, Italy and Georgia, the results of which have an equal bearing on Fiji’s placing come July.

Fiji play Japan at 10.10pm next Tuesday and they face Samoa on Sunday at 3.10pm. They return to Fiji to face Scotland before they wrap up their PNC campaign against Tonga at 3.40pm on Saturday, June 23.
 
FijiLive