Speed and physicality are the two words used by the Japan SDS under-18 team when describing their experience of Fijian rugby at the 12th McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens.
The team got off to a winning start with an upset of favourites Dominion Brothers 22-17 in their opening pool match at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
The side went on to beat Barbarians 28-7. While Japan has been part of the annual tournament for several years, most of the players in this squad are playing in Fiji for the first time.
“We wanted to play against the Fijians and we would like to win the tournament and take home the youth division title,” centre Tevita Taufa stated.
Taufa, whose father is from Tonga, added they may not be blessed size-wise but speed was their X-factor.
“Fast and fit, there is no strong big player but we rely on our speed to compete with the other teams.
“When we hear about Fijian rugby, we imagine strong big guys with speed, off-loading game, and high-level skills but we are excited to be here and give everyone a good challenge.”
Japan battles Ba Originals today in their third pool match. Both teams recorded impressive wins in their opening clashes with Ba Originals proving too good for Barbarians, winning 27-5.
