Bati Wary Of Unpredictable Italy
We have to win against Italy and the way to do that is to have possession, says assistant Vodafone Fijian Bati coach Wise Kativerata.
He made the comments after the Bati’s scrimmage session with the Toa Samoa side on Wednesday in England.
Kativerata says it is important that key players manage their game well.
“During the scrimmage session with Samoa we worked on our defence, worked really hard on our marker A and B,” the former dual international said.
“We gave away too many possessions against Australia so what we worked at training was self-reflection. We are looking at some individual who can look after ball control, set completion and kick down. If your skills set is good no matter how tough the defence is you can always beat them.
“That comes from controlling the ball, kick and wait for them to make mistakes. We have to complete sets and kick down- this is rugby league and nothing changes.”
Kativerata is wary of the Italian side after the side thrashed favourites Scotland 24-8 in the first round of the competition.
“The Italians have a very young side, they play a very different style of rugby league. We got more experienced players so we will have to use them well.
“We have to win and the boys know that, they understand the situation we are in. Samoa has a game against Greece; we face Italy which is a do-or-die for us.
“The Italians beat Scotland and we lost to Australia so it’s going to be a tough one. These boys are looking forward and they’ve been preparing well this week.
“We have worked on some areas that we believe can turn the table around.”
The match kicks off at 1.30am Sunday morning (Fiji time).
Feedbacks: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
