'Well constructed': Vern Cotter on what led to a convincing win in Fiji

Three weeks ago, after a defeat to the Queensland Reds on Anzac weekend in Brisbane, the Blues season looked to be on its last legs. Fast forward to now, and the Blues are likely two wins away from a playoff spot after back-to-back wins against the Force and the Fijian Drua, respectively.

The Blues now sit fifth on the Super Rugby Pacific table with two regular season games remaining, five points behind the fourth-placed Queensland Reds.

Blues head coach Vern Cotter enjoyed his team’s performance in Suva, saying that it was ‘well constructed’ by his players throughout the week in Fiji.

“Last week, we talked about the importance of coming here, so I think you saw that in the performance. It was a solid, well-constructed performance,” Cotter said post-match in Suva.

“I think there was a lot of effort, and there was a lot of focus and concentration around trying to play as best as we could. I thought we were smart out there as well, and so you need that combination of effort, attitude and smarts to get a result.

Cotter gives credit to the Fijian Drua side, who at times, made it difficult for the away side to dominate.

“I thought it was tough, and I thought the Drua were very tough. The players said afterwards that it was a tough game.”

Blues captain and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu was pleased with the performance, but knows that Moana Pasifika next week at North Harbour Stadium in Albany will be challenging in a different way.

“So it’s a big test for us next week, we know from the last time we played them, that they would have improved quite a bit, and just watching them play last year, their game’s a lot more accurate,” Tuipulotu said to media in Suva.

“That’s where we got the better of them last game, so we’ll be expecting a step up there from them, and then again around the physicality, they’ll lift against us.

“We need to do the same thing, a lot of that’s around attitude and effort within our individual prep during the week.”

Cotter, who led the Blues to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title, agrees with Tuipulotu, admitting that next week is huge for the Blues and their season.

“So I think first and foremost we need to prepare for that game, it starts now. It starts with us getting back home, getting good recovery, getting our sleep and preparing for another physical battle.

“We know these games at the end of the season, everything’s about that 80 minutes. So we’ve got to use that time wisely and collectively and create that cohesion even when we’re not together, thinking about being together and what we’re going to do for the next couple of days and for the game on the weekend.”

Cotter was back coaching in a nation where he spent three years in, as head coach of the Fijian national team from 2020 to 2023.

“It was nice to be back, it’s been really nice, I caught up with some friends that I hadn’t seen for a while.

“I enjoyed the people and the feel of the country when you walk in, it’s kind of a field of its own Fiji, so it’s nice to see that. They have been very welcoming, and I thank the Fijian people.”