Leawere names Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors run-on team for Saturday

Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors Head Coach Kele Leawere has put up a formidable side to take on the Manuma Samoa in their first match of the Fiji Rugby Invitational Series at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.

Leawere said the 23-member squad consists of a mixture of young and experienced players who have come through our Pathways of Schools, Clubs and Provincial competitions.

“We have a good mix of the players which includes the Fijian Drua players, some provincial players who have put their hands up during the season and a few Under-20 players,” said Leawere.

Swire Shipping Fijians Warriors captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere will guide the front-row with Livai Natave at the Tighthead Prop and Joseva Nasaroa as LosseHead Prop.

Flying Fijians and Fijian Drua Lock, Chris Minimbi will marshall the second row which is packed with provincial players who were outstanding during the Skipper Cup and the INNK Farebrother Trophy Challenge.

Suva’s Sailosi Vukalokalo will pair up with Minimbi at Locks. Motukai Murray of Vodafone Fijian Under-20 and Nadroga’s Joji Kunavula will be on the flanks while Number eight Ilikimi Torosi will guide the scrum.

In the backs, expect some exciting play off the ruck from halfback Simione Kuruvoli who will be assisted by Nadroga’s Peni Kadralevu at fly-half.

Fans would expect some strong play in the midfield with Apisalome Vota at the outside center and Michael Naitokani at the inside center.

Nadroga winger Taniela Rakuro and Suva’s speedman Paul Dolokoto will be on the wings while Jack Volavola will guide the team from the fullbacks position.

Leawere said there are players in the team who have come through the Under-18s, to Fijian Under-20, and have played for the Fijian Warriors and now they are in the Fijian Drua and in the Flying Fijians’.

He added “At the end of the day it’s all about building Pathways development and making sure that everybody gets a chance to have a run.

 
Leawere said he is expecting the experienced players to assist Ikanivere in guiding the team against Manuma Samoa on Saturday.

“He is a leader on and off the field so it’s important to have someone that players look up to and having Tevita Ikanivere there and his experience, it will be easy for the boys to gel together,” said Leawere.

Leawere is urging fans to come in numbers and support the Swire Shipping Fijians Warriors who are ready to take on Manuama Samoa.

“Playing Samoa will always be physical and it will be good for the players to have an international game after COVID-19. The important thing is to go out there and enjoy plus for them to show the talent so they can progress to senior teams” said Leawere.

Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors Team V Manuma Samoa

1. Livai Natave
2. Tevita Ikanivere
3. Joseva Nasaroa
4. Sailosi Vukalokalo
5. Chris Minimbi
6. Motukai Murray
7. Joji Kunavula
8. Ilikimi Torosi
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Peni Kadralevu
11. Taniela Rakuro
12. Micheal Naitokani
13. Apisalome Vota
14. Paul Dolokoto
15. Jack Volavola

Reserves

16. Simi Qica
17. Jone Naqiri
18. Ilaitia Sela
19. Lorima Nadakoro
20. Raikabula Momoedonu
21. Taitusi Lulusini
22. Jone Dukumoi
23. Tevita Mociu