The general manager of the Fiji Rugby Union High-Performance Unit, Simon Raiwalui is expecting a lot from the Fijian Drua players when they will play this Saturday against Samoa.
“I’m expecting them to show the way for the young players.”
Raiwalui says it will be a tough challenge.
“The boys have been in camp since last Monday, so we have been preparing really well,” Raiwalui said.
“We have a good mixture of youngsters coming out of the academy, the Skipper Cup competition and some experienced players from the Drua. We have a good balance, so we are looking forward to a good challenge.
“They have been in a high-performance environment where they had their expectations playing high-level competitions.”
Raiwalui said it was a really good introduction to the young boys to be able to see those players and he expected a lot from Drua players because they came from a professional environment.
“We are expecting them to show the way to our guys, to show how it’s like to play at that level, so it’s really a balance between those young guys and the older guys.
“We want results. We have invested a lot of money in these boys, and it’s going to be a tough challenge against Samoa.”
The team boasts seven players over the age of 23, which also includes three from Fijian Drua, 16 under-20 players who took part in the Oceania Championship and 11 provincial players.
Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere, lock Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Chris Minimbi, flanker Raikabula Momoedonu, centre Apisalome Vota and half-back Simione Kuruvoli will boost the Fijian Warriors campaign.
The World Rugby Pacific Cup two-match series against Samoa will be held on Saturday and September 3 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors 35-member squad:
Loosehead prop: Semi Qica, Aisake Atani, Livai Natave
Hooker: Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Jone Naqiri
Tighthead prop: Emannuel Naciva, Joseva Nasaroa, Ilaitia Sela
Locks: Emosi Natubailagi, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Lorima Nodakoro, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Chris Minimbi
Flanker: Semi Tauyavuca, Motuikai Murray, Joji Kunavula, Raikabula Momoedunu
No.8: Ilikimi Torosi
Halfback: Taitusi Lulusinu, Jonathan Sovasova, Simione Kuruvoli
First-five: Peni Kadralevu, Sikeli Rabitu
Second five: Michael Naitokani, Malakai Nawai
Centres: Apisalome Vota, Filimoni Nalawa, Erami Baca
Wings: Jone Dakunoi, Taniela Rakuro, Kini Vosailagi, Paul Dolokoto
Fullback, Jack Volavola, Tevita Mociu.
