Leawere names strong Fijian Under-20 team for NZ match

Vodafone Fijian Under-20 Coach Kele Leawere has named a strong 23-member squad for their opening match against New Zealand at the Oceania Championship in Gold Coast, Australia.

Leawere has put in an experienced run on side consisting of eight players who won the WRPC with the Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors last month.

These players include skipper and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, props Livai Natave and Joseva Nasaroa, flanker Alivereti Loaloa, half back Simione Kuruvoli, fly half Caleb Muntz, centre Veresa Romototabua and full back Osea Waqa.

Coach Kele Leawere said “With the sheer determination and commitment show by all the players in the squad it was tough to select the best players for the match against New Zealand.

“We know New Zealand will always be a tough team to beat but we will give our 100 percent to go and create upset.”

The Vodafone Fijian Under-20 team had its captain run today as they concluded its preparation for their opening match tomorrow.

Leawere said “The players are in high spirit and have done a lot of hard work ahead of the Oceania Championship back in Fiji.”

“We have done a healthy preparation and I can now only hope that the players will do the basics right when they go on the field tomorrow.

“We’ve had a healthy preparation and I can now only hope that the players will do the basics right when they go on the field tomorrow.”

Vodafone Fijian Under-20 play New Zealand tomorrow at 7pm (Fiji Time) and all matches will be live streamed on www.rugby.com.au.

Vodafone Fijian Under-20 Team

1. Livai Natave
2. Tevita Ikanivere {c}
3. Joseva Nasaroa
4. Etonia Waqa
5. Christopher Minimbi
6. Vilive Miramira
7. Alivereti Loaloa
8. Eparama Sailo
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Caleb Muntz
11. Epeli Momo
12. Veresa Ramototabua
13. Ilaisa Droasese
14. Kaminieli Rasaku
15. Osea Waqa

Reserves

16. Lino Vasuinadi

17. Meli Sikoijeriko

18. Emosi Tuqiri

19. Taniela Ramasibana

20. Anasa Qaranivalu

21. Josh Vuta

22. Taniela Soqonawasaliwa

23. Osea Natoga