Fijian Latui eyes to make a flying start
Swire Shipping Fijian Latui players are ready to showcase their talents when they take on Kagifa Samoa in the Global Rapid Rugby at Churchill Park next Saturday.
The Global Rapid Rugby which was introduced last year, is fast paced rugby, played for 70 minutes with rolling substitutions and a nine point ‘power try’ for attacks launched within 22 meters of the scoring team’s own try line.
Swire Shipping Fijian Latui Coach Senirusi Seruvakula said “The players have been working hard to adapt to the new rules for the past few weeks.”
“It’s a fast pace game of rugby and there is a lot of changes in the rules plus it’s a 35 minutes a half. There are some rules such as the players not allowed to kick from the 22 meter line, and there is also rolling subs which is good.”
“The players are adapting well and I believe it is not new to them as this is how the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua played last year; running rugby from the ’22 to the try line.”
Rapid Rugby tournament officials were in Fiji to work with the Fijian Latui players and coaches’ understanding of the rules and regulations of the game.
He added “Last week we went through the rules of the game with one of the referees. We are getting to understand the game but it is going to be tested when we play against Kagifa Samoa next Saturday.”
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians half-back Frank Lomani is the Pacific Showcase marquee player for Global Rapid Rugby and will be on show alongside fellow Fiji team mates Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto and tough forward Mosese Voka.
Seruvakula highlighted that everyone has been responding well in training.
“We marched into camp on Tuesday for our second week together and we have three days to train and prepare before we go into the game week.
Everyone have been gelling well in the team and according to the plan we are on track.”
The Fijian Latui shifts camp to the Western Division next week and Seruvakula expects to polish on a few areas before their first.
He said “The players need to be very fit physically and mentally. There is a lot of running and a lot of skill level to be tested in the competition.”
Seruvakula also highlighted that the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui compromises of the National Rugby Championship winning Fiji Airways Fijian Drua players and therefore it’s a chance for fans to get entertained on the day.
“It’s going to be very exciting and interesting for the fans to watch. It’s going to be a very fast flowing rugby. The fans will love to see the Fijian flair of rugby as our players love running with the ball. Its totally different from 15 aside here in Fiji.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Latui takes on Kagifa Samoa at 3.10pm at Churchill Park, Saturday week after which they face Western Force at the same venue on the 25th of this month.