Published on The Fiji Times on May 20, 1998.
Japan-based Sale Sorovaki was lost for words last night after being named captain of the Vodafone national rugby team for next Tuesday’s Test against Scotland in Suva.
Sorovaki, 28. from Lawaki, Nakasaleka in Kadavu, heads a side comprising four new caps including his assistant Meli Tamanitoakula and Auckland Blues’ Apisai Naevo.
“I don’t know what to say, I am lost for words,” he said at the Raffles Gateway Hotel in Nadi where the team is camped.
“First I was trying my best to make the Test side. To be named captain was unexpected but nonetheless I am thrilled. Ill give it my best shot.”
The other new caps are reserves, New South Wales rep Meli Nakauta, Lautoka prop Sikeli Nasau and Samu Saumaisue.
Interestingly Nicky Little (first-five), Samisoni Rabaka (halfback) and Suva’s Alifereti Mocelutu (number eight) edged out Waisale Serevi, Jacob Rauluni and Max Olssen respectively in the starting line-up.
Coach Brad Johnstone said making a final selection was tough.
He picked the Warriors team which will include former Wallaby Ilivasi Tabua and Alfred Uluinayau for the match against France next month.
“I was very pleased with the standard of rugby in both trials,” Johnstone said.
“For the first time since I’ve been involved with Fiji we’ve had two decent sides and more than two players in each positions vying for a Test spot.
“We went for experience in some places, in other places we have given a couple of young guys new hope and still we have the Warriors game for players to press home a point in the next Test.
“We will nurture both the national and the Warriors team as a vehicle to producing our best side for the World Cup qualifying rounds in September.”
On the selection of the halves pair, Johnstone Bald: “Both Serevi and Jacob have had very little rugby in their respective positions at this time of the year.”
