Warriors Impress Cotter
Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter, was impressed with the performance of the young Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors after they walloped Manuma Samoa 60-10 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
The no-nonsense coach said some of the local-based players had really stood out.
The Warriors fielded Fijian Drua players of Simione Kuruvoli at halfback, centre Apisalome Vota, locks Chris Minimbi and captain, Tevita Ikanivere.
Kuruvoli stood out when shifted from halfback to first five eight as he combined well with rookie Nadroga halfback Taitusi Lulusini. The fast deliveries from Lulusini allowed Kuruvoli to exploit loopholes in the Samoan defence.
Also impressive was Ikanivere who scored two tries while Vota set-up a couple of tries with his offloads. Full-back Jack Volavola was safe under the high balls and tackled well.
“I really enjoyed the team effort and the energy they gave,” Cotter said.
“The fullback constructed some good solid defence as they shut down some of Samoa’s initiatives,” he said.
“They slowly grew into the game, gained more confidence and some very good tries.”
Cotter said hooker Ikanivere showed that he has the ability to be a good leader.
“Kuruvoli once again gave them a little of shape around No.9 (halfback).
“It’s good to see Vota at No.13, he gave some confidence.
“You can see his confidence growing and that could shape the game for them.”
Cotter said he enjoyed watching the tireless Jioji Kunavula at openside flanker.
“I think he went well and he worked hard.
“They gave everything they had and that was the most pleasing thing to see.
“They felt the jersey as much as they could, it was good.”
From left: Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter and Nadroga Rugby coaching director Franck Boivert at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, on August 27, 2022. Photo: Leon Lord
Forwards coach
Meanwhile, Cotter said the replacement of forwards coach Jason Ryan is yet to be confirmed.
Ryan left after the Pacific Nations Cup after he was appointed to be the All Blacks forwards coach.
“Not really sure, might just do it myself,” Cotter said.
“We’re looking and working through that process but in a lot of ways, someone will come in and help.
“But I really want the players to take up the responsibility within the group as well with some experienced forwards.
“It will be nice to see them. It will be known, once it’s done.”
Cotter also took the time to catch up with Nadroga Rugby coaching director Franck Boivert.
“He (Boivert) is a French friend of mine when I was (coaching) at Clermont. So we were just catching up,” he added.
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