Young Warriors Ready
World Rugby directive for Samoa, Tonga to field senior players while Fiji to play Under-23 players
The Fijian Warriors will be having a young team when they defend the World Rugby Pacific Challenge.Warriors coach Senirusi Seruvakula told SUNsports yesterday that despite having Under-23 players their Samoan and Tongan opponents would be fielding older players. However, the no-nonsense coach said he is confident that his young players have what it takes to defend the WRPC title for the fourth consecutive year. “This is the best team that I have ever prepared for the PRC, they are young, they are learning and are adapting to our system very quickly,” Seruvakula said. The challenge is on the players given that a World Rugby directive was for the Warriors to field five players over the age of 23.
“That is the ruling from World Rugby and it is something new to me as a coach and it is going to be interesting to see these players go out there on Friday to play.”
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- Tongan born Junior Japan loose man Faulua Makishi jumps in the lineout during their training run at Bidesi Park, Suva, on March 5, 2018. Photo: Simione Saravanua
Seruvakula reiterated that this would not affect their chances of defending the title.
“Like I have said before this is the best team that I have ever prepared for the PRC.”
The Fijian Warriors take on Samoa A in their first match on Friday at 5pm, which Seruvakula said would be a baptism of fire for his young players.
“They will not be fielding their Under 23’s, they will be coming with their senior PRC squad, it is going to be tough but we just got to be smart and be disciplined throughout the 80 minutes and I just cannot wait to watch them this Friday.”
Meanwhile, Junior Japan rugby side had their training run yesterday at Bidesi Park but opted to stay away from the media. The Samoa A and Tonga A teams arrive into the country today.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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