NZ Fijians ready to face Suva Grammar
(Thursday, October 27, 2005)
NEW Zealand Fijians Under-16 rugby league team is ready for another physical encounter against the Suva Grammar XIII today.
Former Fiji Bati and team chairman Steven Smith said local players were always renowned for the physical play and that was what the New Zealanders have come geared for.
"We're expecting another tough and physical game against Grammar as the island boys always have the physical flair," he said.
The Kiwis, who overpowered an Eastern Selection in their opening fixture, are confident of another lively encounter against the Suva schoolboys' side.
"The boys have come well prepared for the tour and the inclusion of three local boys in our side for tomorrow (today) should beef up our side," Smith added.
The team, under the watchful eyes of coach Jo Tekeu, started its training session with a recovery workout at the National Aquatic Centre pool yesterday morning.
"Our pool session was for recovery purposes and niggling injuries from our first game," said Smith.
The three local boys that have joined the Kiwis are Gabriel Waqa, Sairusi Doge and Michael Mistry.
Smith said the players were now familiar with the Fijian style of play after a hard-hitting encounter in its 26-12 win on Tuesday.
"As we progress to more games, the boys have been told that it's not going to be an easy task so we've been concentrating on our def-ence after we gave away a couple of easy tries," he said.
The Kiwis will play the Fiji Residents XIII on Saturday before departing for Auckland next week.
(Thursday, October 27, 2005)
NEW Zealand Fijians Under-16 rugby league team is ready for another physical encounter against the Suva Grammar XIII today.
Former Fiji Bati and team chairman Steven Smith said local players were always renowned for the physical play and that was what the New Zealanders have come geared for.
"We're expecting another tough and physical game against Grammar as the island boys always have the physical flair," he said.
The Kiwis, who overpowered an Eastern Selection in their opening fixture, are confident of another lively encounter against the Suva schoolboys' side.
"The boys have come well prepared for the tour and the inclusion of three local boys in our side for tomorrow (today) should beef up our side," Smith added.
The team, under the watchful eyes of coach Jo Tekeu, started its training session with a recovery workout at the National Aquatic Centre pool yesterday morning.
"Our pool session was for recovery purposes and niggling injuries from our first game," said Smith.
The three local boys that have joined the Kiwis are Gabriel Waqa, Sairusi Doge and Michael Mistry.
Smith said the players were now familiar with the Fijian style of play after a hard-hitting encounter in its 26-12 win on Tuesday.
"As we progress to more games, the boys have been told that it's not going to be an easy task so we've been concentrating on our def-ence after we gave away a couple of easy tries," he said.
The Kiwis will play the Fiji Residents XIII on Saturday before departing for Auckland next week.
