Telecom Fijian Warriors maintain unbeaten run
The Telecom Fijian Warriors defeated Uruguay 44-22 to remain unbeaten on their two-match tour yesterday. The team without the services of their captain Peni Ravai, displayed a gutsy performance and ran in five tries to Uruguay’s three in front of more than 10,000 fans. The side played with four players that were named in the Fiji Pacific Nations Cup squad which includes Eremasi Radrodro who stepped up as vice-captain. All members of the tour party played in both games which gives them a good platform for preparations towards the 2017 World Rugby Pacific Challenge and being prepared to represent Fiji in Test Rugby in 2017 towards the 2019 World Cup. Telecom Fijian Warriors coach Senirusi Seruvakula was pleased with the win especially with the team comprising of four players that came through the Under-20 Pathway. “I hope the young players have learnt a lot from the World Rugby Pacific Challenge and the 2016 Uruguay Tour. They should be more experienced in 2017 as we strive towards widening our player base for the future,” he said. “The boys will have a good reason to return home now with two good wins in Uruguay. “I will be monitoring the boys in the Skipper Cup and HFC Bank Farebrother Competition before we start preparations for the new season. “On behalf of the management and players we would like to thank FRU, our families and the provinces for their support rendered towards the team.” Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer, John O’Connor congratulated the team on their achievement. “While all the focus has been on World 7s Series, our Warriors went out and have done the country proud by defeating Uruguay,” he said.
He, however, urged all the players to assist their Provincial teams in the Skipper Cup tournament since it is an important year for Skipper Cup. Further, he reminded the players that participating in the Skipper Cup tournament will be compulsory for selection into the Warriors this year.