Fijiana XVs Ready for Japan

The Vodafone Fijiana XVs would be relying on talent, connection and aggres­siveness when they avenge their earlier loss to Japan next Sunday (September 10).

Lock Asinate Serevi said they would be expecting a tough match against the Japan women’s side.

Japan is hosting the Fijiana XV in two Test matches as part of the Taiyo Seimei Japan Rugby Chal­lenge Series on September 10 and 16 respectively.

“Obviously we are Fijians we have the rugby talent, connection as a team and also aggressiveness with every single player that’s here whether it’s a new or old player,” Serevi said.

She said while they look to avenge their loss last May, they under­stand that the Japanese would not give them an easy game.

Serevi added that there were a couple of new players on the side including England-based prop Penina Turova.

“We are just working on making sure we have a solid team going into our first two test matches,” she said.

“It’s just that we trying to get that team chemistry going and making sure that everyone is on the same page going to Japan next week.

“It’s like they are not new players anymore, their confidence coming into the game and we’ve seen what they’re able to do.

“We’re excited to have new blood in the team, we’re going to see what they’re going to give and bring to the test match next week.”

Japan defeated Fijiana XV 28-14 in May last year.

“They’re definitely physical and fast as well, so going into the game we can expect anything,” Serevi said.

“They’re really physical and we know that we need to work hard and also have the skills to win the game; we need to make sure that we’re using that as an advantage for us.

“We’ve been bonding in camp, we have also found out that a lot of us are related so even off the field we know that we have that connection.

“It’s been exciting to have the new girls and be here to prepare for the Japan game together.”

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj