Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one the best Fijian gamers who set the 2003 Rugby World Cup alight, has defended head coach Simon Raiwalui’s determination to base his Pacific Nations Cup gamers within the village of Taveuni for every week fairly than organising a coaching camp in Suva.

Critics have taken to social media to counsel the transfer is a value reducing train a results of the huge money owed the Fijian Rugby Union is having to cope with however Caucaunibuca hit again telling the Fiji Instances: “It’s good change because the nationwide aspect is all the time coaching in Suva. It really works each methods – followers and households in Taveuni for the primary time are seeing their star gamers they solely get to see on TV, gamers getting first-hand expertise residing in a Fijian group.”

Sam Matavesi, the Northampton and Royal Navy hooker, can be satisfied the transfer that has seen the gamers mixing all through their stick with the native folks has benefitted the crew who will head to France for a ultimate World Cup heat up sport towards Eire after the PNC match has been accomplished.

He said “We have seen some vigorous runs during the strength and conditioning sessions here while some have been light sessions. They have set up a plan and the players believe in it and we will work according to that.

“It is really great to have a bunch of good coaches. They have been doing a really good job. Majority of them have played for Fiji and have the country at heart while the others come in with huge experiences.”

Raiwalui is standing by his decision and the training camp will come to an end this weekend with the squad heading back to Nadi. He said: “Coming to Taveuni was all about connecting with our people. We came here so that our players can see where they are from. Everywhere we have been to, people have danced and we could only see smiles on their faces. We understand it is the first time for many of these people to meet the national players and that means a lot to them as well as our players.

“Every afternoon we train, we have seen children come running to the players after the sessions. It is sure to inspire many of them. They have got the opportunity to meet their stars and this is something we had come here for.”