Rodan: Skipper Select Loss Embarrassing

A senior rugby executive is unhappy at the way the Skipper Select XV side's 12-78 thrashing at the hands of the Fijian Drua in Lautoka last Friday.

Speaking to SUNsports Tailevu Rugby Foot­ball Union president Joseph Rodan Snr says the Skipper Select XVs performance against the Drua was well below standard.

"After watching the game, it was very embar­rassing to see the poor standard displayed by the Skipper Select team," the Pacific's former 400m running champion said.

Rodan said the performance highlighted lack of preparation, low fitness levels, and exposed what he described as the declining standard of Skipper Cup players.

He also criticised the selection process used by the coaching and management staff.

"This shows the poor standard of coaching and management selection as well."

Rodan said to move forward, the Skipper Se­lect XV needed stronger coaching staff and bet­ter team management.

"From the Drua versus Skipper Select match, the lesson learned is that we need a proper se­lection process, an effective coaching and man­agement team and more time for the team to prepare," he said.

He added that the match, played last Friday, was intended to promote the Skipper Cup com­petition to rugby supporters but instead at­tracted a lot of criticism.

"Never take the Drua team for granted. We need a well-prepared team," he added.

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