FIJI Water Flying Fijians winger Jiuta Wainiqolo was rested from training yesterday and is recovering from an ankle injury sustained from last weekend’s gruelling encounter against the Ikale Tahi.
The France-based player is awaiting his medical results following a scan in Nadi.
He was a notable absentee from yesterday’s training run.
“That’s why I’m not doing training today, but I’m all good,” Wainiqolo said.
“I think it’s a good start for us as a team, a good win but we still have more work to do and work ons.
“And some of us debuted last week and we’re still getting to know how we play, and yes, for us as a team we still have more work to do against Samoa in the next game this week.”
The outspoken former national 7s sensation says last weekend’s encounter against Tonga was tough and provided a level platform for the national team ahead of their match against Manu Samoa this week.
“They (Tonga) really have a good team to prepare for the World Cup and have been more physical than last year.
“With Samoa being able to beat Japan in Japan, I think they have a good team and we’re really looking forward to this week.
“I know it will be tough and physical, and Samoa is a smart team and we will see how this week goes.”
Wainiqolo has also rated highly the relationship in camp and he says that bonding in the past three weeks has allowed them to improve on their brotherhood.
“A lot of the boys from the Drua and France-based and UK-based, and we are having a lot of fun.
“Everyone is enjoying and it will be a good campaign towards this year’s World Cup.”
