Fast Rakuro Starts For Warriors

Nadroga winger Taniela Rakuro is the fastest in the Swire Ship­ping Fijian Warriors 35-member squad.

The squad is training for their two invita­tional rugby matches against Manuma Sa­moa; the first kicking off tomorrow at 3pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

The second match is next Saturday, Septem­ber 3 at the same venue.

The Vusama, Malomalo, Nadroga native clocked 4.84 seconds in the 40 metres dash during their speed test at Bidesi Park on Tuesday.

That has made the 22-year-old Stallions try-scoring machine determined to wear the Warriors jersey.

The former football player who attended Nadroga Arya College was one of the outstanding players selected by head coach Kele Leawere after the Skip­per Cup championship.

“This is a big challenge for me and also a great experience to be brushing shoulders with the Fijian Drua players,” Rakuro said.

“I am grateful to be to be part of the War­riors squad.”

The Drua players in the squad are Apisa­lome Vota, Chris Minimbi, Simione Kuruvo­li, Raikabula Momoedonu, Tevita Ikanivere and Sorovakatini Tuifagalele.

“I am ready to play alongside experienced players.

“Training at the Sigatoka sand dunes has helped me with my speed.

“I did not play Deans rugby in high school, this year is the first time I’m playing 15s rug­by and now the Warriors squad.

“I hope to secure a Drua contract or any overseas rugby contract in future.”

Rakuro came into the limelight of rugby after playing for the Tuva Under-19 in the Coral Coast 7s in 2019.

He later played for the Police team before joining Nadroga for the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship season.

Yesterday Rakuro was named in the start­ing line-up alongside rookie Suva winger Paul Dolokoto.

Warriors head coach Kele Leawere said the 23-member squad consists of a mixture of young and experienced players who have come through the pathways of schools, clubs and provincial competitions.

“We have a good mix of players, which in­cludes the Fijian Drua players, some provin­cial players who have put their hands up dur­ing the season and a few Under-20 players,” said the former Flying Fijians lock.

Warriors’ captain and hooker Tevita Ikani­vere will guide the front-row with Livai Nat­ave at the tighthead prop and Joseva Nasaroa as loosehead prop.

Leawere said he is expecting the experi­enced players to assist Ikanivere in guiding the team against Manuma Samoa tomorrow.

“He is a leader on and off the field so it’s im­portant to have someone that players look up to and having Tevita Ikanivere there and his experience, will be easy for the boys to gel together,” said Leawere.

He is urging fans to come in numbers and support the Swire Shipping Fijians War­riors who are ready to take on Manuama Samoa.

“Playing Samoa will players to have an international game after COVID-19. The important thing is to go out there and en­joy plus for them to show their talents so they can progress to senior teams.”

Meanwhile the Fiji Secondary Schools Raluve Under-18 schoolgirls’matches will be curtain-raisers in the Fiji Invitational series with Naitasiri Secondary Playing Gospel High at 11am followed by Lomary Secondary versus Basden College at 1pm. 3pm: Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors vs Manuma Samoa.

Entry: Grandstand is $10 flat,

Embankment: $5 adults, $2 children.

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