‘Absence Of Athletes Put Pressure On Us’
Being vocal is crucial at Number 8, says Marist Brothers High School Under-17 rep Josefa Wakanivonoloa.
Josefa Wakanivonoloa
The Year 12 student hails from Vutia, Rewa and shares maternal links to Kabara in Lau.
He helped his Flagstaff team in their 26-8 win against Nasinu Secondary School in Round One of the Southern Zone Secondary School Rugby Union competitions at Suva Grammar School grounds last Saturday.
Despite the win, Wakanivonoloa said their side needs to do more work as most star players are focused on athletics.
“We started training after the rugby league final against Queen Victoria School,” he said.
“I hope to do well and represent Fiji in international level in future.”
The Number 8 started off his rugby career playing for Ratu Kadavulevu School in the Under-14 grade in 2019 before he moved to Assemblies of God High School for Year 10.
He joined MBHS last year.
“It was a tough game, we have not clicked as a team with our combination,” he said.
“Pressure was high, some of our athletes were in Lautoka and we have to use some of our reserves to play.
“Most of the main players are in the athletics squad and not playing rugby.”
MBHS does not allow students to take part in two sports running concurrently. Those in the athletics squad preparing for the Coke Games are not part of the rugby sides.
It is possible that the students can play rugby once the Cokes are out of the way.
The Cokes Games will be held at the HFC stadium from August 18-20.
“I always admire Springbok’s Eben Etzebeth, I look up to him because he has a lot of skills and very competitive.
“In my position as a Number 8, I have to be sharp and vocal for our forwards, in scrums and lineout.”
Schools in the southern zone include Assemblies of God, Dudley High, Sacred Heart, Nasinu Secondary, Nabua Secondary, Latter Day Saints, Ratu Sukuna Memorial, Lami High to mention some.
Draws for this weekend are not yet available.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
