SportsWorld Fijian U20: Seruvakula Names Side for Super Rugby Opener Against Hurricanes

The SportsWorld Fijian Under 20 team is set to kick off their campaign in the 2024 Under 20 Super Rugby Competition against the Hurricanes U20 side. The match, being the first for the tournament which features 162 emerging players from Fiji, Moana Pasifika, Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders, and a New Zealand Barbarians U21 selection will take place at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.

Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong and balanced squad for the opening match, emphasizing the importance of confidence and teamwork. “The message I have stressed to the boys is to have the confidence to go out there and showcase their talent,” said Seruvakula. “That’s the whole idea of bringing this young team on tour. Just go out there, have fun, keep to our systems, play as a team, and the rest will take care of itself.”

The 30-member traveling squad includes 27 run on selected players and 3 traveling reserves, with a mix of youth and experience. The team features nine 20-year-olds, nineteen 19-year-olds, five 18-year-olds, and one 17-year-old, Asi Tuilagi, who has already made headlines as the youngest member of the squad. While the majority of the team is making their debut at the Super Rugby Under 20 level, four players—Anare Tabakaucoro, Anare Caginavanua, Sivaniolo Lumelume, and Iliesa Erenavula—are returning for another shot at the competition.

Starting Lineup for Tomorrow’s Match:

1. Neville Amputch
2. Vaimoe Koroi
3. Anare Caginavanua
4. Saimoni Vaisova
5. Iliesa Erenavula (Captain)
6. Savenaca Driu
7. Savenaca Qabale
8. Isoa Koroinawai
9. Meli Biunimasi
10. Asi Tuilagi
11. Mesake Nalase
12. Anare Tabakaucoro (Vice-Captain)
13. Sivaniolo Lumelume
14. Duacake Vulainabuwaha
15. Iliesa Baravilala

Impact Players:
16. Josua Uluibau
17. Eroni Sarasau
18. Marika Koroi
19. Sam Chapman
20. Noa Rauluni
21. Sikeli Bari
22. Atama Francis
23. Emosi Nuku
24. Asaeli Pacolo
25. Sakiua Matalulu
26. John Toe
27. Sosi Waqa

Seruvakula highlighted the significance of the tour for many of the players, noting that for most, this is their first time traveling abroad and participating in a high-performance competition. “The learning for the boys is to adjust to the elements. We go to another country, and we just adjust to the climate and conditions. That’s what rugby is all about,” he said.

The Fijian Under 20 team will look to make a strong start against the Hurricanes, with fans eagerly anticipating the performance of young stars like Asi Tuilagi and the leadership of captain Iliesa Erenavula. The match promises to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent as the tournament runs from March 15 to 22.

Fijian rugby fans are encouraged to rally behind the team as they take on the Hurricanes at 11:05am NZT tomorrow.