With the inclusion of 10 Under- 20 players in the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors side, head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is confident that they are going to defend the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Cup.

The Warriors side had another training run at Bidesi Park yesterday and will be taking Tonga A at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Friday.

Seruvakula told SUNsports that preparations are on track as he’s confident that most of the players would be part of the Fijian Latui and Drua side as well.

“I believe the training and preparations for the side are going on the right direction as we marched into camp yesterday and this is our third session as a team together,” Seruvakula said.

“The team is comprised of 10 of the under-20 players and most of these guys are preparing for the Junior under-20 world Cup this year so play­ing in the Warriors side will give them more ex­posure and game time.

“As you know the competition for the under-23 is tough and most of these players I have coached them when they were in high school. They have their unique talents which made me select them into the training squad.

“And we never know that these players would represent the Latui and Drua side later this year as well. So tomorrow is our last two sessions be­fore the captain’s run on Thursday and game day is on Friday.”

Seruvakula said this their fourth year as defend­ing champions and are expecting tough games from Samoa A, Tonga A and Junior Japan.

‘First, it’s going to be a tough match against the Tongans and we’ll take each match as it comes. For leadership and experience, it will come from the experienced players in the side who are role models for the newcomers.

“If you look at Mesulame Dolokoto it just took him one game to switch position to being the hooker for the Warriors, Drua and then to the Flying Fijians. And if he can get do that than ob­viously the others can make it happen.

“Also, another player to look out for is the hook­er of the under-20 side Tevita Ikavere, who’s third on the ladder at the moment. We’re actually try­ing to give him more game time.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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