North 7s Teams Super Keen

The two teams from the Northern Division are ready to prove their inclusion in the third leg of the Fiji Rugby Union’s Super 7s Series at the Ganilau Park, Savusavu, on Friday and Saturday.

Playing the local giants of rugby’s short code should be a baptism of fire and a learning experience at home.

Cakaudrove 7s Selection (North 1) will go into Pool A with Police Blue, Ratu Filise and Wardens.

Macuatau 7s Selection (North 2) will be slotted into Pool C as the 16th team together with Raiwasa Taveuni, Army and Tabadamu.

Macuata Selection coach, Apimeleki Katonibau, said they plan to start their season with a bang.

“This is a good opportunity to work together as a build up before the rugby season starts,”Katonibau said.

“We will be selecting best 13 from the 18 players representing clubs in Macuata.

“We’re preparing well and players are competing to be included.

“This is a high level of competition and the most we can do is to learn from the experience.

“We are keen to strut out stuff and be involved, meet the standard and expectation required.

“This is a challenge and we want the boys to be exposed to the high level of competition.

“We believe in the power of prayer and teamwork to make our series debut a worthwhile experience.

“We’re going to be up against big teams and our main focus is our defence. Definitely we need to beef it up in pool play against Raiwasa Taveuni, Army and Tabadamu.”

Cakaudrove Selection

Coach Kolinio Vosailagi said preparation for the tournament was going well because they’re looking forward to meet the teams coming from Viti Levu.

They have an 18-member team that have been training for the past weeks.

“Most of the players have only played at club game level and we want them to play and participate to be exposed this high level of competition,” Vosailagi said.

“We have achieved our goals from going a level higher and obtained the first and second position.

“Our focus now is to meet with big boys of the game. We played for the people and province of Cakaudrove.

“I’ve told the boys these teams are bringing with them experience and encouraged them to lift their game.

“We’re wary we are up against defending champion Police Blues, Ratu Filise and Wardens but we will play and do it our way.

The side is looking forward to learn a lot from the tournament because it’s a way of up-skilling our players.

Both teams have extended the invitation to the fansof Vanua Levu to support the players in Savusavu.

The third Leg of the Super 7s Series kicks off 8.30am on Friday.

Pool A: Cakaudrove 7 Selection {North 1}, Police Blue, Ratu Filise and Wardens;

Pool B: Uluinakau, Dominion Brother, Eastern Saints and BLK Stallions;

Pool C: Macuata 7 Selection {North 2},  Raiwasa Taveuni, Army and Tabadamu;

Pool D: LAR Barbarians, Wadigi Salvo, Nawaka and Fire.

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