THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ defensive discipline under new defence coach David Ellis is beginning to show results, with the side conceding just three penalties in their 34-28 victory over Japan last Saturday.

The remarkable turnaround from their previous meeting, when Fiji conceded 16 penalties in their 20-15 Pacific Nations Cup final defeat, highlights the importance of Ellis’ emphasis on defensive organisation and discipline.

“The objective with regards to the defence is putting more structure and organisation into the defensive system of the team, and also working really hard on their discipline so we’re not giving penalties away,” Ellis said before the Japan Test.

“We’ve set certain standards with the team since I’ve started, and we are managing to achieve these standards to the number of penalties we’ve conceded which will help us stay more competitive during the game.”

Fiji’s discipline was particularly impressive after Motikai Murray’s red card left them with 14 players, yet they maintained defensive pressure and forced Japan into 10 penalties.

The improvement follows seven penalties conceded against Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup, although consistency remains the real test.

With France awaiting Fiji in their Nations Championship opener on November 8, Ellis’ influence could prove crucial.

However, Fiji must also address their lineout defence after losing six throws against Japan and conceding two tries from rolling mauls.

For Fiji, discipline must now become a habit, not a one-Test achievement.