Two of the country’s most exciting young ruggers Philip Baselala and Sikeli Rabitu are expected to form the halves combination for the Fiji under-18 side which will tour New Zealand next month.
The duo were members of the Fiji U20 side which played in the Oceania Championships against Australia, New Zealand and Argentina on the Gold Coast, Australia, in July.
Baselala and Rabitu were named yesterday in a 27-member Fiji U18 squad by head coach Masi Saqanavere, comprising of players from the Skipper U19 and Deans Trophy competitions.
“The selected players will be allowed to play in the Vodafone Deans Trophy quarter-finals (today) for their respective schools before marching into Suva next week for a three-day camp,” Saqanavere said.
“If the teams progress to the next stage, then the players will be released after the three-day camp to play for their schools in the Vodafone Deans semi-finals.”
The Fiji U18 side will play the Hurricanes on October 4, the New Zealand Barbarians seven days later and the New Zealand U18 on October 5 Saqanavere said the exposure the age-grade players would get from playing quality opposition in foreign environments with travel and other variables in the modern-day game would greatly aid their development.
“The vital part is that we will have players monitored for both on and off-field performances and the process builds the HPU (High Performance Unit) Academy where players will go through two years of preparation to qualify for the Vodafone Fijian under-20 and then on to the Fiji Warriors, Fijian Drua and the Flying Fijians.”
The team flies to New Zealand on October 3.
Squad Loosehead prop: Sailasa Musudroka, Eroni Sarasau, Samisoni Naivalu; Hooker: Iowane Vakadrigi, Josua Uluibau, Sylvester Maafu; Tighthead prop: Izzy Hesaia, Joseva O’Connor; Lock: Pasikali Naevo, Malakai Masi; Flanker: Saimoni Turagalailai, Sakenasa Senivono, Ebinizer Navula, Saimoni Qaranivalu; Number 8: Peter Rinakama; Halfback: Philip Baselala, Natava Saukuru; Flyhalf: Sikeli Rabitu, Tevita Sovau; Wing: Simeli Tuiteci, Sairusi Masi; Centre: Akuila Qoro, Tuimasi Tuitatava, Sivaniolo Lumelume; Fullback: Sikeli Basiyalo; Utility back: Happy Orsbourne, Manoa Tuburuarua
