BARLA Lions Tour (Fiji 2018) - Blog Seven

BARLA Lions Tour (Fiji 2018) - Blog Seven

Dave Parkinson pens an update from Nadi.

 

Well, game day two has finally arrived.

As already communicated, changes were made to our tour schedule a few days ago meaning we now have a three-game rather than four-game schedule.

It would be fair to say, this has worked wonders with a beaten-up and burned squad now looking a hundred percent better and ready for a game against Austrailian opposition.

There is a steely determination around the camp. A focus and want to do well for team-mate and country. The last couple of days have been best on tour for a number of reasons. I think we all appreciated our trip to the village yesterday. It was Fiji life undiluted. There was simple pride, and passion, two things that pulling on an international jersey should breed in abundance. I see that in player's eyes. Tour captain Jamie Fields epitomises the want to do well, to test and to be tested.  

The captain's run last night was perhaps our sharpest training session to date. Coach Gary Hewer took on an observation brief, allowing assistants Leigh Paul-Reintoul and Matthew Johnson to run the session, only occasionally throwing his take on things into the mix. It was the perfect example of coach empowerment, showing trust in his assistants and leadership group.

There are firm friendships formed and one time enemies are now buddies. 

Much of this first week in the South Pacific has been about acclimatising and bonding. There is a good mix of younger players and experienced heads, some of which are even rooming together. Now, it comes down to business and the first of two tests. I'm excited and I hope you are too.

The game against Australian Affiliated States is being played here in Nadi with a local kick off time of 4.30pm (3.30am back in the UK). I'll be back with a report later.