Senirusi Seruvakula says assistant coach Jonetani Waqa has contributed immensely to the side.

The Telecom Fijian Warriors head coach commended the former Nadroga pivot dubbed the ‘General’ in his heydays who has been working tirelessly with the backline.

“We went with Waqa in the last Uruguay tour, he’s been doing well with the backline,” Seruvakula said.

“Waqa’s guidance speaks volume for the Nadroga side in the Skipper Cup and HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge 2016. That’s the pathway for coaches to come up to this level and he’s bringing in new ideas.”

Local referee and Fiji Rugby Union development officer Joeli Tubu will manage the team replacing Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach John McKee who has personal commitment.

The appointment of Tubu will make him the first Fijian referee to manage a national team.

“We have been helping him so this is a new experience for him.

“His challenge will be tough when he goes overseas where he will attend management meeting, making travel arrangements and paperwork.”

The Fijians backline are prepared to deliver well against top teams like Samoa A and Argentina XV.

“We have a very good backline, we’ve our scrumhalves Henry Seniloli and Sakiusa Gavidi.

“We have Alifereti Veitokani, who can run at No. 10 or fullback and speedsters Eroni Vasiteri and Fredrick Hickes. If the backline tick and implement everything, it will be hard to bring them down,” Seruvakula said.

The Fijians will play their first match against USA Select on October 9, Samoa A on October 13 and Argentina XV on October 17.

“The Samoa A side is coached by Alama Ieremia and majority of the players are New Zealand-based and few from the Manu Samoa squad.

“They will also be using the tournament as their preparation for Europe Tour in November.

“Argentina XV is their Super Rugby team and they will be tough,” Seruvakula said.

The team had their third day of training yesterday and will have their final session today before departing for Uruguay on Monday.

They will arrive in Montevideo on Wednesday and will have only one training session followed by captain’s run before playing their first match.

Edited by Osea Bola

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