THE Flying Fijians focus is on building a competitive team for rugby’s biggest spectacle, the Rugby World Cup.
But the question that continues to gain prominence following Fiji’s emphatic 54–17 defeat to France, is head coach Jack White the right man for the job.
While the result was disappointing, it is equally important to recognise the bigger picture.
White, a member of France’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning coaching setup, has a vision of building a formidable Flying Fijians outfit.
The France encounter was only his second 80-minute outing behind the bench, who is still assessing the strengths and weaknesses of his squad, identifying combinations and calling the plays that he believes can bring out the best in his players.
It will take time for him to fully understand the potential, positions and individual capabilities of the players at his disposal.
Fiji is blessed with talent, agrees White.
But with players spread across different countries and professional clubs, they are exposed to varying rugby cultures, playing styles and tactical systems.
Bringing them together under one philosophy, developing combinations will not happen overnight.
White has acknowledged that progress will have to be methodical.
But without setbacks, defeats and moments of frustration for the coaching staff and supporters alike.
The ultimate objective is to build a team capable of challenging the world’s best, the process must be given patience.
White appears to focus on several key areas and he made no secret of it.
A-Discipline and Penalty Counts.
B-Set-piece and Maul Execution.
C-Second-Half Performance and Finishing Strong.
D-Second-Half Performance and Finishing Strong.
E-Cohesion and Away-From-Home Form.
F-Fly-Half and Tactical Combinations.
For White it is all about finding the right balance between individual flair, tactical ability and discipline.
And with built up, Fiji cannot afford to lose sight of the immediate demands of international rugby while preparing for the bigger prize.
Winning builds confidence, and helps support a coach’s vision.
White must be allowed to shape his team, but patience cannot be without expectations.
The Flying Fijians have the talent.
The challenge is bringing that talent together, with the belief that they can compete with the best for the full 80 minutes.
The World Cup is the bigger picture.
For White, patience is a virtue.
