No Favourites, Leawere Tells U20 Players

The Fijian Under-20 rugby head coach has a tough decision to make as he prepares to name his squad for the upcoming Oceania and Junior World Cup tournaments.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Kele Leawere said from the three centres they had conducted their fitness tests, they were able to bring 75 players for the trial yesterday.

“These players are trying hard to win a spot so they could don the white jersey,” Leawere said.

The former Flying Fijian lock forward and one of the stars of the 2007 Rugby World Cup also confirmed that overseas players had shown their interest in joining the Fijian U20 team.

“For the overseas players they’re playing top rugby and also have good exposure. The big games they play also prepare them well for major tournaments.

“There are still lots of work to be done. The speed is good, unlike for strength and the work on the front row is still in progress.

“Unlike for our local players some are just fresh out from the Deans and Skipper Cup competition while others are from under-18 rugby with local clubs or provincial teams.

“Our boys need to play more hard games in order to get a feel like of what happens in bigger tournaments.”

Leawere said the Oceania U20 Champion­ship is a warm up tournament that help pre­pare the players well for the Junior World Cup.

“It may be a tough job to select the boys to represent our country but we have to pick the best. I’ll be announcing the final names by the end of March.

“Every player has to go through the hard yards in order to be selected as there are no favourites at the moment.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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