Young Fijian Warriors hope to continue the legacy

The Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors will be out to prove themselves in the decider against Junior Japan despite winning the World Rugby Pacific Challenge title four times in a row.

There are only six players in the current 31-member Fijian Warriors squad who were part of the team which claimed the WRPC title last year.

Skipper Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Osea Waqa, Simione Kuruvoli, Filimoni Savou, Joseva Nasaroa and Immanuel Naciva will once again guide a young and energetic pack on Saturday.

Samusamuvodre said “We have a talented group of players around us who have been working hard and preparing well for Saturday’s game.”

The Fijian Warriors is largely made of the players currently in the Under-20’s programme and those who were part of Vodafone Fijian-Under 20’s at the World Junior Championship last year.

Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors Head Coach Kele Leawere said “It’s a new beginning for these young lads, I know they must be excited but at the same time they need to remain focused for the final match.”

“Past years we have had senior players who have played for Flying Fijians in the team.

“I have told the players, the previous teams have left a legacy which we need to continue” said Leawere.

Leawere said despite beating Tonga A 47-nil on Tuesday, there is still some work to be done before the final match.

“Especially our set-piece, we still have to work on it and our backs need learn to retain possession in-order for us to a smart game against Junior Japan” said Leawere.

In the matches on Saturday, Tonga A takes on Samoa A at 1.00pm, Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors meets Junior Japan at 3.30pm and in the final match of the day Fijian Latui faces China Lions at 6.15pm. All games will be played at ANZ Stadium.