Gadolo Names Vodafone Fiji U20 Team to Canberra

Gadolo Names Vodafone Fiji U20 Team to Canberra

Vodafone Fiji under 20 Coach, Viliame Gadolo has named the team for the 2015 Australian U20 National Championship in Canberra later this month.

Ultimate goal is to get Fiji back in the JWC tournament

The Championship involves three teams from Australia with Tonga and Fiji.

Following the trials last week, Gadolo has a fair idea of which areas he needs to work on.

“Selection was based on the boys’ fitness levels firstly and skills that were assessed on the trials on Thursday this is because of the short time frame to prepare the team for Canberra” Gadolo said.

“Areas we need to work on are our team combinations, set plays and phase plays important to note that tackle area and breakdown work is an area of emphasis.”

Gadolo will be assisted by former Flying Fijian team mates Kele Leawere while Mosese Rauluni will assist with the backline.  Gadolo says that they are looking forward to the challenge with one ultimate goal.

“I’ve worked with Kele and Mojee Rauluni as players for many years and there haven’t been any problems so far.  They know the expectations and demands of International Rugby especially with Fijian players.  I believe we can use our experiences as players in a coaching context so should be very interesting to look forward to the challenge in front of us as coaches.”

“The ultimate goal is to get Fiji back in the JWC tournament and the only way we can do that is by winning the World Rugby Junior World Trophy.  It is tough but a possible goal to achieve.”

“We have to make sure our phases of preparation are well planned.  We are at selection phase and we have to make sure that the right people are selected to play and have that edge to win the tournament.  Canberra is that first phase where we can have a measure of the standards that the team is at and where we want to be in May.”

For those that did not get selected for the 2015 Australian U20 Championship, Gadolo had this to say to them.

“To players that did not make the cut in the 30 that we have picked, the door to Portugal has not closed.  You still have an opportunity to be part of the team.  We will have another Test on June 3rd and you will be given that opportunity if you have what it takes to represent your country.  The HPU Centers will be closely monitoring your conditioning for the weeks that the team is preparing for Canberra.”

The 2015 Australian U20 Championship kicks off on 19 March.

Vodafone Fiji U20 Team

Samuela Vunaki (Prop), Maikeli Sivo (Hooker), Viliame Ravouvou (Prop), Navitalai Masitabua (Prop/Hooker), Asaeli Sorovaki (Prop), Timoci Bulitavu (Hooker), Lekima Vuda (Locks), Jone Sevuya (Locks/Flanker), Simione Naiduki (Flanker), Vasikali Mudu (Flanker), Serupepeli Momo (No.8), Peter Wong (No.8/Flanker), Kinivuai Domolailai (Flanker), Penioni Narisia (Flanker), Patrick Joseph Beramaisuva (Full Back/Wing), Waisea Daroko (Half Back), Ilami Lotawa (Half Back), Seremaia Turagabeci (1^st/2^nd/Full Back), Sela Toga (1^st Five), Aminiasi Radrodro (2^nd/Centre), Pat Tuidraki (Centre/Wing/2^nd), Filipo Daugunu (Fullback/Wing), Noa Nadruku (Centre/Wing), Manoa Nakolilevu (Centre/Wing), Seveci Nakanailagi (Centre/Wing), Isoa Tawakevou (Lock), Peceli Nacebe (1^st Five), Ratu Cagilaba Naborisi (Lock), Leoni Nawai (Half Back)