“If there is a team that looks like New Zealand, it is France.”

This is the challenge. The challenge is to get players who live in Fiji and play for the Drua franchise in Super Rugby, and then those in Europe. There is a good mix in this group with the return of experienced players such as Kenny Moremorevalo. He would bring what he knew with Leicester, i.e. a very realistic rugby. Waisea Nayacalevu is our leader who is growing into a leadership role. Our team also has young Pro D2 players like Luke Tagi (note: a pillar…

This is the challenge. The challenge is to get players who live in Fiji and play for the Drua franchise in Super Rugby, and then those in Europe. There is a good mix in this group with the return of experienced players such as Kenny Moremorevalo. He would bring what he knew with Leicester, i.e. a very realistic rugby. Waisea Nayacalevu is our leader who is growing into a leadership role. Our squad also has young Pro D2 players like Luke Tagi (note: a Provence Rugby pillar), and others who have exploded this year in Super Rugby like winger Vinaya Habosi. I think there is good intentions in training and good enthusiasm. Now, you have to succeed in the sequence of offers. One, we are able. Two or three is the challenge. We have a good program this fall with Scotland, Ireland and the French Barbarians.

She mostly resides in New Zealand. How do you organize monitoring of your players?

We have people based in Europe like Scott Crane, one of the physical trainers from Claremont. They go to see the players, they are in touch with the clubs so we can get performance data and organize follow-up from afar.

Does having a Fijian team in Super Rugby help you now with the Fijian Drua franchise?

I think we can really feel the benefits next year. There, it was the first season, the players gained a lot of experience. For many, this was their first professional competition. Super Rugby will start in January next year. It will last until June. So there will be a good dynamic when I meet the players in July. I spoke about it with Eddie Jones (note: England coach). When he beat South Africa with Japan at the 2015 World Cup, he was able to build on the momentum the Sunwolves had in Super Rugby. I hope this same cohesion brings us.

“I feel there is a little bit of coherence about the pride of representing Fiji.”

Will the best Fijian talent continue to make their way to VII?

Yes, the seventh team remains the first choice of the Federation. But sometimes we get players like Sireli Maqala who plays in Bayonne. But with Drua we now have a team that allows players from the academies to play in professional competition. But now we have a good base. We have a good training center in Nadi. We’ll really be able to work on the development of these players.

Does the desire to play for the national team remain an important source of motivation for players?

We try to attach importance to wearing this shirt, and playing for our country. We’ve been hit by covid. Some players have not returned home for two years. We felt it in July. We played three games. But we felt a little lost in the players returning from Europe. They had obligations with their families and little time. We firmly insist on these values. I feel there is a little bit of coherence about the pride of representing Fiji.

What are your priorities when you find players?

With players like that, you just have to find ways to put them in their zone. A space where they can express their talents. You don’t have to manage much, but you have to manage all the same. It’s a happy medium between the fun and the demands of rugby. You can’t play XV the same way you play VII.

Many teams, including France, make kicking and taking the field a priority. It does not fit the Fijian culture. But is it also necessary for you?

Yes, sometimes. Looking at the rugby we play, we expend a lot of energy. There are times when you have to know how to manage. This is what experienced players should bring to this team. You have to choose well. The enemies know us. They know that after sixty minutes you start to get tired. We take two or three penalty kicks, our opponents play balls carried by touch and we find ourselves in difficulty. We are aware of that. Again, you have to find the right dose.

Losing matches means asking yourself good questions.

In 2007, during the World Cup in France, Fiji made a surprise by qualifying for the quarter-finals. Is this a goal within reach?

He is ambitious. We would like to surprise some opponents.

How do you see the France team from New Zealand?

Like everyone else, I see a team becoming more professional, spending more time together. I also see a generation of players, especially from Toulouse, who make up the critical mass of this team. She plays well. She plays pragmatically. We are talking about robbery. The French are masters of it. They are strong. In fact, if there is a team that resembles New Zealand, it is France. They are a little more about tactics. But with initiative, knowing how to play out what’s in front of you, we’re close.

Is the World Cup already on New Zealand’s mind?