THE Village Boys rugby team is aiming to maintain a focused approach as they prepare for the upcoming Wairiki 7s tournament, the second leg of the Fiji Bitter series set to kick off tomorrow.
Their impressive start in the series, securing a victory 15-12 over Kava Vacalea in Levuka, has set the stage for their pursuit of a second win.
Head coach Epeli Matata commends the team for their dedication and solid preparation leading up to the tournament.
“The boys have been preparing well for the past week, with a good start in Levuka the boys are focused and ready for the task ahead,” said Matata.
He adds skills training has been a key focus during their practice sessions, with an emphasis on refining set pieces and ball play to elevate their performance on the field.
“The boys are doing great during training, focusing on our set pieces and ball play throughout the week.
“We know Wairiki 7s won’t be an easy task, all teams will be prepared and aiming for glory.”
Despite facing the setback of two injured players, the team is determined to maintain their momentum by fielding the same lineup from the Yalovata 7s.
“We have two injured players, so they will be replaced, we are going to feature the same team from the Yalovata 7s, so we are looking forward for the tournament.
Matata sees this as an opportunity for the young players to gain exposure, learn from their more experienced counterparts, and continue to develop their skills.
“We have a young side, it’s good to let these players get exposed and get to play with more experienced and learn and grow then them.
“We will take one game at a time, more focused on the team’s performance, and getting better in all Fiji Bitter series.”
Financial constraints pose a significant challenge, as the team lacks a sponsor, forcing players to cover their own travel expenses and engage in fundraising efforts for food costs.
“It has been hard for us, but we keep pushing through as we know that these players love the sport and they are playing from their heart.”
Matata extends his gratitude to their supporters, particularly their families, who have stood by them since day one.
The Wairiki 7s tournament will begin tomorrow and conclude on Saturday.
