The Flying Fijians say they’ve turned their disappointment from last week’s loss to England into determination as they prepare to face France in Bordeaux on Sunday (NZT).

Assistant coach Aaron Mauger says the mood in camp has shifted from frustration to focus as the team looks to bounce back stronger against a French side known for its speed and kicking game.

“Everyone was naturally disappointed with the outcome, but there are lots of good things happening in our game,” Mauger told reporters. “We’re going toe-to-toe with a top-four team in the world, and barring a few moments of execution, we could have had a different result.”

He says the players had responded positively in review sessions despite a demanding travel schedule. “The boys have worked hard this week, and we’ve had really productive reviews.”

Mauger drew parallels between France’s recent defeat to South Africa and Fiji’s own showing against England, noting that both teams were competitive before letting key moments slip.

Head coach Mick Byrne has also stressed that discipline will be vital after Fiji’s two yellow cards proved costly last weekend. “We have to be sharper in key moments,” he stated earlier this week.

Watch Flying Fijians' assistant coach, Aaron Mauger, give a team update from Paris.

The Flying Fijians are expected to make a few lineup adjustments, including recalling some Europe-based players to strengthen the forward pack.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind, Byrne believes building depth and consistency remains a top priority.

France will be looking to rebound as well after their 32-17 loss to South Africa, setting up what’s expected to be a fast and physical contest.

“France are always tough. They play with power, width, and precision,” Mauger says. “We’ll need to be accurate, disciplined, and stay in the fight for 80 minutes.”

French coach Fabien Galthie has made six changes to the side beaten 32-17 by world champions South Africa at the Stade de France last weekend. The reshuffle includes the return of captain Gregory Alldritt at number eight in place of Mickael Guillard.

“We are very ambitious because we are the France team,” Galthie told a press conference. “At number eight for the past three years, Greg has been the one holding things together. He is a player of great quality, of international class. He also needs to regenerate,” he says.

Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere goes in to score a try for his side against England at Twickenham on Sunday, New Zealand Time. England won 381-8. Photo/Facebook/Fiji Rugby Union.

At a glance

• France have lost each of their last four Tests, as many defeats as across their previous 24 outings combined (W19 D1), and their longest run of losses since a five-game stretch between March and November 2018.

• France have won six of their last seven Tests in Bordeaux (L1), with this set to be just their second fixture in the city this century, after a 19-12 victory against Ireland in August 2011.

• Fiji lost their most recent Test (18-38 v England) after winning five in a row, halting their longest winning run since 1999 (W5) - the Flying Fijians have scored 3+ tries in each of their last six outings.

• Damian Penaud scored two tries against New Zealand last weekend to become France’s all-time top try scorer in men’s Test rugby (40), overtaking Serge Blanco (38) - Penaud has scored nine tries across his last five Tests against sides outside of the Six Nations or Rugby Championship, including a hat-trick in his most recent (v Namibia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup).

• Tevita Ikanivere scored two tries against England last weekend, taking his tally to six across his previous six Tests for Fiji, with the hooker now having scored three tries across his last two Tests against Six Nations sides (also one v Scotland in July).

The Fiji-France match in Paris kicks off at 8.10am (NZT). In other Autumn Nations Series tests on Sunday: World champions South Africa face Italy in Turin, All Blacks take on England at Twickenham, Wales host Japan in Cardiff, and Ireland vs Australia in Dublin. On Monday, Scotland and Argentina will face off in Edinburgh.

Fiji’s coaches assistant Aaron Mauger, left, and head coach Mick Byrne oversee final preparations ahead of their clash against France, as the Flying Fijians look to build on recent form in Europe. Photo/Facebook/Fiji Rugby

Teams

France: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Nicolas Depoortere, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Romain Ntamack, Maxime Lucu, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, Regis Montagne, Charles Ollivon, Romain Taofifenua, Anthony Jelonch, Oscar Jegou, Gregory Alldritt. Bench: Maxime Lamothe, Rodrigue Neti, Thomas Laclayat, Jimi Maximin, Hugo Auradou, Paul Boudehent, Baptiste Jauneau, Emilien Gailleton.

Fiji: Salesi Rayasi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli, Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata, Viliame Mata. bench: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Tim Hoyt, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sireli Maqala.