Daveua: We’ll Go In As Underdogs
The Rooster Chicken Fijiana XVs side will have to bring their A- game against South Africa, this Sunday.
That was the view of lock forward Reijeli Daveua ahead of their second Pool C clash at the Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
Both teams need a bonus point win to keep their hopes of qualifying to the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal alive. The top teams from the three pools qualify for the quarterfinal along with the two best placed third teams.
Daveua said they would need to put in the extra yards if they are to create an upset.
The South Africans are ranked 13 by World Rugby while the Fijians are at 21.
“Our confidence level is high and we know South Africa is no stranger to the world cup, they have been around for a while,” she said.
“We will go in as underdogs against South Africa because they are a very experienced side.”
Daveua said during training they worked on their physicality as they are going to play against some very big players.
“There is nothing to lose. We have to bring our A-game and follow what our coach has set for us.
“We have to win this game because it means a lot to us, our families and young girls back at home, who will one day wear this jersey.
“We hope for nothing but the best, it’s not going to be easy but again we have to bring our A-game.”
Meanwhile, bustling Fijiana centre Reijeli Laqeretabua is confident of a good outing on Sunday.
“I’m confident that the girls will come out firing against the South Africans because we have our own pattern and style of rugby,” she said.
“For us it’s just about doing the little things right and making sure that we enjoy ourselves.
“They will be a very physical side because that is one of the areas we have been working on during training.”
The match kicks off at 4.45am.
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
