Fiji's pride is their Rugby World Cup secret weapon, says John McKee
Thursday 17 September 2015 18:23, UK
Fiji head coach John McKee believes the Pacific Islanders' pride will act as a secret weapon in their World Cup opener against England at Twickenham.
The Islanders are intent on reaching the quarter-finals from a Pool A draw that includes Wales and Australia with the help of passionate home support.
"It would be pretty euphoric back in Fiji if we did manage to get a win on Friday. We see what happens with the sevens when they win!" McKee said.
"It's not so much that people in Fiji have more pride in their national team, more that everyone talks about the team and I think it also comes a little more naturally for the Pacific Island players.
The New Zealand-born coach says the Islanders' cultural values means training and team bonding exercises come naturally to the squad.
"It's interesting, it's the societal traditions they have, whereas western society has become very individualistic.
"Fijian society is very much based on where they come from and the family values. In terms of team building, it's very easy to build that unity," McKee said.
"I have had experience in other professional teams where a lot of time can be spent on team building as the players have a very individualistic outlook."
