Having played together since the Under 13s at the Kaji Raka national tournament and coming from just a handful of schools, the Fiji Pine Ba Juniors form a very closely knit squad and are targeting a strong finish to their first-ever season in the Skipper Cup.
Head Coach Josua Tuwai has taught at Namosau Methodist School in Ba for the last six years and feels there is something special with this Under 20s side after rolling Yasawa and Tailevu in the last two weeks.
“The bond with this team is very different,” the school master explained.
“These boys have known each other and played together for so long now. They are very disciplined in training and united in their rugby goals.”
“Mostly, they schooled at AD Patel College, Ba Methodist and Kamil College; and whilst many have moved on to tertiary education, five of the team are still in school.”
The Fiji Pine Ba Juniors currently sit fourth in the Skipper Cup U20s table after also picking up a bonus point in the agonising 8-10 loss to Suva in the Bidesi Park mud when their last-kick conversion hit the post and bounced away.
“After two years in the Vanua Championship where we played some of the smaller unions, we can see a big difference in the opposition this season and the quality of players,” Tuwai said.
“These major unions certainly have more depth and experience in their coaching groups – just how they set up their defence and attack – we know that’s their advantage. So, we have to rely on our own strengths.”
Master Tuwai also picked out lanky winger Josateki Vale as a player to keep an eye on. Vale, also from Nailaga Village, has already impressed the crowds this season, scoring the go-ahead try against Tailevu last week having had an earlier effort unluckily ruled out.
“He’s tall, he’s fast, and he reads the game well,” the coach said.
“He also scored the only try in the Ba Club Championship Final last year when Nailaga edged out Navala.”
Today, weather permitting, the Fiji Pine Ba Juniors host Nadroga U20s who beat Naitasiri last week and Namosi the week before.
“We know Nadro will bring their open style of rugby to Vinod Patel Park, so we’ve been working on our defence in particular and also how to control the territory.”
“But the boys believe in themselves so they will also be concentrating on their own game and how to get points on the board.”
“After the narrow defeat in Suva, we want to put a marker down and let the big unions know we are here to challenge them.”
