Fijian-born New Zealand Heartland XVs backs Maleli Sau and Nete Caucau just cannot wait to run onto Prince Charles Park this afternoon to take on Jack’s Nadi.

Winger Sau, 22, is originally from Nawaka, but moved to New Zealand five years ago.

“It is a special thing for me to represent a New Zealand side and it makes my family proud,” he told SUNsports yesterday.

“This is my first year to play wing.  I just can’t wait.”

Caucau, 21, who plays at second five eight, is expecting a tough encounter.

“It is an honour to be part of this team. My old man had played for Nadi as well. It is going to be a tough game,” he said.

Heartland XV head coach Barry Matthews said they are pleased to have two Fijian boys in the side.

“It is really good for them to come home and meet their family,” he said. Matthews said they are expecting a very physical game.

“They (Nadi) will be very tough. Any Fiji team will be very physical and love to run the ball. It is not as hot as we had thought which is very good. The boys will be playing at that hour. I have been here before it is not very hot and we are pretty lucky.”

The clash kick-offs at 5.30pm. Ticket prices are $7 flat for adults and $2 for children.

LUMELUME LEADS NADI

New Zealand-based No.8 Lumelume Turuva has been named to captain Nadi. He will be assisted by first five eight Tavite Gusuivalu and Sunia Vosikata who also play their rugby in New Zealand. Nadi rugby manager Jeff Tamata said they are expecting a lot of fireworks.

“We have been preparing after our season was completed as we will be facing an experience Heartland side. This is a good test for us and a chance for our boys to show what they have to secure overseas contracts.”

Tamata has called on Nadi fans to come out in their traditional navy blue colours to support their players. He said they have yet to name their line-up but has released their name of their squad.

Nadi XV: Apolosi Ranawai, Peceli Kato, Jioji Washington, Maikeli Mudu, Manasa Bari, Senitiki Cakau, Sairusi Soqeta, Turuva Lumelume (c ), Leone Nawai, Tavite Gusuivalu, Jonetani Mateiwai, Sakiusa Nakalevu, Orisi Erenavula, Manoa  Sautu, Tomasi  Ralulu, Voate  Driu, Tevita Tui, Isabella Rick, Viliame  Ratute, Jolame Levevou, Marika Tivitivi, Seru Vaniqi, Sunia Vosikata.

NZ Heartland XV: 15. Sam Monaghan (Wairarapa Bush), 14. Maleli Sau (Mid Canterbury), 13. James Hemara (King Country), 12. John Koko (King Country), 11. Willie Paia’aua  (Horowhenua Kapiti), 10. James Lash (Buller), 9. Zayn Tipping (King Country), 8. Kieran Coll (South Canterbury), 7. Eddie Cranston (Wairarapa Bush), 6. Aaron Lahmert (Horowhenua Kapiti), 5. Aarin Dunster (King Country), 4. JJ Manning (West Coast), 3. Viki Tofa (Wanganui), 2. Jackson Donlan (Mid Canterbury), 1. Timaru Tafa (South Canterbury).

Reserves:  16. Hayden Wisnewski (Thames Valley), 17. Ralph Darling (North Otago), 18. Scott Cameron (Horowhenua Kapiti), 19. Siua Moala (Poverty Bay), 20. Peter Rowe (Wanganui), 21. Lindsay Horrocks (Wanganui), 22. Nete Caucau  (Mid Canterbury), 23. Te Rangi Waitokia (Wanganui).

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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