The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have booked their place in the Pacific Nations Cup final after defeating Canada in their semi-final, but captain Tevita Ikanivere says there is still plenty to improve before the title decider.

Fiji, the defending champions, will need to lift another level after Ikanivere warned that costly mistakes and missed opportunities could prove decisive against stronger opposition.

Ikanivere says they started well but allowed Canada back into the contest through a few errors that must be addressed ahead of the final.

“I think we started pretty well and we alamost let Canada back in the game because of a few silly mistakes. I know it won’t be good enough for next week, so we’ll go back to the drawing board and try to improve on that and come back stronger next week.”

He says Fiji’s attacking opportunities out wide were promising, but poor execution on several occasions showed areas that need improvement after similar lapses affected their campaign earlier this year.

“I think we did at times when we broke on the outsides. But I think about two to three times, the passes never stuck and we can’t afford to do that when we take on bigger teams during the Nations Cup, because it we do, it will ruin us and it showed during our campaign earlier in June this year.”

Acting Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula was impressed by the contribution of the debutants, admitting their performances will make selection for the November Nations Cup a difficult task.

“The new boys really played well. I’m very proud and the way they played. Choosing the team for the Nations Cup in November will now be difficult. “

The Flying Fijians now turn their focus to Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final on the 19th of September, with Fiji aiming to defend its title and finish the campaign on top.