Blitzbok star wants to play for a local club

Lanky forward Pio Tuwai was Rosko Specman’s (pictured) toughest opponent during his international sevens rugby days.

The 36-year-old Blitzbokke great was one of the two ambassadors at the Mc-Donald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s.

He commended the talents of the local teams at the three-day tournament at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

“It was always fun to play against Fiji, but now, coming as an ambassador, it’s a different sight,” Specman said.

“Seeing the tournament the last three days, has been very tough, especially the international teams, because the local teams are putting up their hand.

“The tournament has grown, it’s more entertaining and tough, but, unfortunately, this year, I would like to play, but they said, I must bring my boots next year.”

Specman said he has a year to train and return for next year’s tournament.

He wants to play in one of the local teams.

“It depends if they want me, but that will be something nice.

“During our playing days, Tuwai (Pio) was a tough opponent because even if you’re tackling him, he’ll offload the ball from the ground.

“The next thing we know he offloads the ball to Jerry Tuwai then there’s double trouble. So that was the two guys that was always tough to defend against.

“On other hand, I always know in the fi rst fi ve minutes, Tuwai is also tired. So, he’s the guy I can also exploit.” Specman said the Coral Coast 7s would be suitable for countries who are trying to build their sevens team.

“The positive thing is that the tournament is growing. Last year was 16 teams and this year is 24. It means a lot of teams is seeing this tournament closer to the World Series, it’s good for Fiji rugby.

“I think this is also a good stepping stone for some of the 2nd string countries that don’t play on the World Series. They can come here and prepare themselves to qualify for the World Series.

“This is a good tournament also because there’s a lot of things that you can learn on here, the way the Fiji teams play and their pace.”