Published in The Fiji Times on Saturday, May 13, 2000.
It is quite a long haul from Welagi in Taveuni to Tokyo but for new cap Viliame Gadolo, the trip to Japan for the Epson Cup opener against the defending champions next week is just like another training run.
Gadolo, 23, is a product of the development ladder and earned selection not only with his accuracy in lineout throws but also in general play.
Accuracy in the lineout ls Gadolo’s asset, and he comes at a time when Fiji hooker Greg Smith is unavailable.
The Suva rake was a member of the Fiji U21 and U23 side last year and plays for Lomaiviti in the Suva premier grade.
Gadolo did not play much for Suva last year and was not in the Suva squad this year, but he belongs to the elite group of players that were monitored through the development programmes.
He has no qualms about filling in the shoes of his vastly experienced seniors, Greg and Isaia Rasila of Nadroga, and said his time ls coming.
“I have not been playing much but I have been training and following a special programme,” he said.
Meanwhile, national coach Greg Smith Is working against time, but everything is coming together in the preparation for the Epson Cup opener against defending champion Japan in Tokyo next week.
Functional responsibility is the main thing the former English teacher &t Randwick Boys is drilling into his men.
Yesterday, Smith ran the national squad at the University of the South Pacific ground and focused on each player’s role in the team.
“He is making each player understand his role and what he should do in the overall operation of the team,” said trainer Taitusi Bunawa.
“He has very little time, but he uses up his time very well.
“Greg is clinical with his training times and rest periods.
“He makes sure there is plenty of rest between training and the players respond better.”
Smith said last week that he did not want to tire out the players.
That is why the squad rested on Thursday, after Wednesday’s trials and toned their muscles in the pool.
The team flies out on Monday morning.
