World Rugby Pacific Challenge: Samoa 'A' Wary Of Junior Japan
A lot of the boys are under 20 years and they have finished their game against Tonga at home. It is a good opportunity for them to gain exposure as it is different from the age group level
Monday 04 March 2019 | 09:00
Samoan A rugby team at Nadi International Airport on March 3,2019. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Samoa A captain Afa Aiono says the Swire Fiji Warriors team will be the team to beat in the 2018 World Rugby Pacific Challenge which kicks off on Friday in Suva.
“A lot of the boys are under 20 years and they have finished their game against Tonga at home. It is a good opportunity for them to gain exposure as it is different from the age group level,”Aiono said.
“Only five of us are senior players in the team.
“We have Samoan fans here. We know our Fijian brothers would be tough to beat and they are the favourite.”
The Brian Lima-coached side takes on Junior Japan in their first encounter at the ANZ Stadium.
“As we know Japan plays really fast game so we need to be ready,”Aiono said.
The five senior players in the side are Aiono (hooker), Andrea Stowers (prop), Siliva Tapu (prop), Sakaria Taulafo (prop) and Potu Leavasa (lock/no.8).
Schedule:
Friday: 2.30pm: Samoa A v Jnr Japan
5pm: Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors v Tonga A
March 12: 2.30pm: Samoa A v Tonga A
5pm: Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors v Jnr Japan
March 16: 2.30pm: Jnr Japan v Tonga A
5pm: Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors v Samoa A
Edited by Osea Bola
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