Fijian Drua Under-20 side named for Super Rugby NZ competition
Fijian Drua Under-20 Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named his 30-member squad for the Super Rugby Under-20 New Zealand competition which kicks off on Sunday.
Rawaqa said they are blessed to be part of this competition which will give the players a wealth of experience for future international meets.
He said “We will be using this competition as our build-up for the Junior World Championship and I believe the players will gain a lot of exposure and experience playing these top teams in the competition.”
Six players who were part of the Fijian-Under 20 squad last year have made the cut into the final 30 while others selected are from the Skipper Cup and Vodafone Vanua Championship.
The six players are Philip Baseilala, Motikai Murray, Erami Baca, Eroni Sarasau, Waisea Tudulu and Kavaia Tagivetaua.
Rawaqa said “The preparation started after the end of the season last year. We did talent identifications from the Skipper Cup and Vodafone Vanua Under-19 Championship. These players have been attending training at their various centers since November last year.”
Rawaqa said “We are the new team in the Super Rugby competition and our first game is against Blues which is our focus right now.
We will take each game as it comes. We know the capabilities of our opponents because they have been in this system for long enough. We are trying our best to lift the conditioning of the players and at the same time upskill them in their various positions.
Motikai Murray has been named the captain of the side.
Rawaqa said “He brings with him a wealth of experience and we are happy that he is here and leading from the front.
The Fijian Drua Under-20 team departs from New Zealand on Saturday.
Fijian Drua Under-20 squad is as follows:
Loose Head Props
Breyton Legge
Sitiveni Tamani
Samuela Soqovata
Hookers
Kavaia Tagivetaua
Joeli Nainoca
Tight Head Prop
Eroni Sarasau
Lasaro Vuluma
Josua Kina
Emosi Natubailagi
Locks
Joeli Niubalavu
Mesake Vocevoce
Setariki Turagacoke
Nailani May
Flankers
Waisea Tudulu
Ibenizer Navula
Number Eight
Motikai Murray {C}
Juda Saumaisue
Timoci Nakalevu
Halfbacks
Philip Baseilala
Napolioni Batimala
Flyhalf
Ponipate Tuberi
Tevita Sovau
Inside Backs
Tavite Kotobalavu
Tomasi Tuitatava
Outside Backs
Tevita Bukaniyava
Manieta Navonovono
Maika Tuitubou
Wings
Erami Baca
Masiwini Sireli
Fullbacks
Sikeli Basiyalo
Pools and Draws are as follows:
POOL 1 |
POOL 2 |
Blues |
Chiefs |
Barbarians |
Highlanders |
Crusaders |
Hurricanes |
Fiji |
Moana Pasifika |
MATCH DAY 1 – SUNDAY 19th MARCH |
||||
1 |
11:05 |
Fiji |
v |
Blues |
2 |
12:55 |
Hurricanes |
v |
Moana Pasifika |
3 |
14:45 |
Crusaders |
v |
Barbarians |
4 |
16:35 |
Highlanders |
v |
Chiefs |
|
||||
MATCH DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY 22nd MARCH |
||||
5 |
11:05 |
Loser Match 1
|
v |
Loser Match 3
|
6 |
12:55 |
Loser Match 2
|
v |
Loser Match 4
|
7 Semi Final 1 |
14:45 |
Winner Match 1
|
v |
Winner Match 3
|
8 Semi Final 2 |
16:35 |
Winner Match 2
|
v |
Winner Match 4
|
|
|
|
|
|
MATCH DAY 3 – SATURDAY 25th MARCH |
||||
9 7th/8th Playoff |
11:05 |
Loser Match 5
|
v |
Loser Match 6
|
10 5th/6th Playoff |
12:55 |
Winner Match 5
|
v |
Winner Match 6
|
11 3rd/4th Playoff |
14:45 |
Loser Match 7
|
v |
Loser Match 8
|
12 Final (1st/2nd Playoff) |
16:35 |
Winner Match 7
|
v |
Winner Match 8
|