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The Sports Hydrant Pacific Islanders - 2008 - Press Releases

Press release November 10. 2008

Sports Hydrant Pacific Islanders upbeat and keen to atone:

The Sports Hydrant Pacific islanders travelled to France today (French time) to begin preparations for next week’s historic Test versus France.

The squad was, to a man hugely upbeat after the five try to one defeat by RWC2007 runners-up England knowing that with limited preparation time they were always going to be up against it. Specialist skills coach John McKee was philosophical:

“We did a lot of good things in the game but little things let us down. We got impatient with the ball. The set play went very well and England had to work very hard – of course we also have some things to work on in this week. After our review sessions we will park away what went on against England and look forward to, and train for the Test v France”.

Backs coach Glen Ella echoed McKee’s sentiments:

“When we hold the ball we can be competitive and we created many opportunities that we simply did not take. Maintenance of possession, better defence around the ruck and maul and the kick chase are the specifics that will make us better this week. There could be some changes - we will pick a team that might be different but will still be strong as we have a squad full of quality players”.

Last word went to tyro second rower Filipo Levi who knows well the task ahead:

“We take much confidence from the game on the weekend. We were competitive and have only been together for a week. With the right courage we can defeat France. It starts tomorrow at training where we will progress on the work done so far."

The Sports Hydrant Pacific Islanders play France on Saturday 15 November (French time) in the picturesque town of Montbelliard. It is the first time a rugby union international has been played at the ground.