Fiji Warriors coach Lance Whippy is comfortable with the expectations placed upon his defending Pacific Rugby Cup champions.
The Warriors won the PRC title for the fifth year running in 2013 after the IRB decided to cancel the Pacific leg of the tournament.
This year has seen a further revamp with New Zealand teams no longer involved and the introduction of the Pampas XV from Argentina.
Lance Whippy is coaching the team for the first time and says his players have everything to play for.
"The boys do understand the demands at this level right now. It is a challenge but the boys are actually handling the pressure really well. I've told the boys over the last few weeks the opportunity now exists for them to step up to the next level: the Flying Fijians - the PNC is coming up in June - World Cup qualifiers is also at the end of that and we have the European tour at the end of the year. There is a lot of opportunites for the young guys to actually step up, put their hands up and say yeah I want to be considered so they need to step up to the mark."
Fiji Warriors begin their title defence this Sunday against the Reds A team in Brisbane.
Meanwhile Dr Berlin Kafoa will continue in his role as acting CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union until at least May.
The FRU had advertised for a permanent replacement but were unable to agree terms with their chosen applicant, who is based overseas.
