Latui ready for Lions onslaught

Season One of Global Rapid Rugby is set to commence on the 14 of March, with just a few days to go the Fijian Latui are putting in the hard yards as they fine tune tactics ahead of their first game against China Lions.

Rapid Rugby is fast paced and exciting with more tries and less stoppages, which requires well structured plays and composed teams who are fit, strong and able to last the 70 minutes of non stop action.

Over the past weeks of pre-season training the Latui have focused on just that, ensuring they’re fit and ready to bring their game up another level heading to the start of the season.

So far things are looking pretty good, with ten rounds of intensive competition across five nations Fijian Latui utility back and backline coach Asaeli Tikoirotuma says building communication and combinations quickly is vital.

“Right now we’re polishing up our skills and we’re working on our comms, we need to be effective in these area as it plays a big role in our game” he said.

“If we get these areas right than theres definitely a good chance of getting things our way” he added

Tikoirotuma explains that with some fresh faces in the group learning from each outing will be important.

“For some of the boys here, its the first time for them to play at this level so thats what we’re doing, bringing them up and getting them composed to this level so they can show the best they can do.”

“They have raw talents and we just need to get that out of them, for them to play their best.”

Speaking ahead of their opener against China Lions, Tikoirotuma added that they wont be taking the visitors lightly.

“This wont be an easy game for us as majority of players in the Lions are from Bay of Plenty which won the championship in the Mitre 10 cup and theres a lot to expect from them and if we don’t stay composed and prepare well then it’ll be a hard game for us.”

Fijian Latui meet China Lions in round one of the Global Rapid Rugby Season One at ANZ Stadium.

The game kick off at 6.15pm with plenty of live entertainment and family fun to be had before the match.

Tickets are $10 grandstand, $5 adult and $2 child on the embankment with students in uniform for free.