THE Fijian Latui is putting in the hard yards as they prepare for their first game against the China Lions in the season one of Global Rapid Rugby at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Rapid Rugby is fast paced and exciting with more tries and less stoppages, which requires well-structured plays and composed teams who are fit, strong and able to last the 70 minutes of non-stop action.
Latui backline coach Asaeli Tikoirotuma says building communication and combinations are vital.
“So far things are looking pretty good, with ten rounds of intensive competition across five nations,” he said.
“Right now we’re polishing up our skills and we’re working on our communication. We need to be effective in this area as it plays a big role in our game.
“If we get these areas right then there’s definitely a good chance of getting things our way.”
Tikoirotuma explains that with some fresh faces in the group, learning from each outing will be important.
“For some of the boys here, it’s the first time for them to play at this level so that’s what we’re doing, bringing them up and getting them composed to this level so they can show the best they can do.
“They have raw talents and we just need to get that out of them, for them to play their best.” He added they won’t be taking the visitors lightly.
“This won’t be an easy game for us as majority of players in the Lions are from Bay of Plenty which won the championship in the Mitre 10 Cup and there’s a lot to expect from them and if we don’t stay composed and prepare well then it’ll be a hard game for us.”
Over the past weeks of pre-season training the Latui have focused on just that, ensuring they’re fit and ready to bring their game up another level heading to the start of the season.
The game kicks off at 6.15pm with plenty of live entertainment and family fun to be had before the match.
Tickets are $10 grandstand, $5 adult and $2 child on the embankment, students in uniform free.
