Vodafone Vanua XVs Take On Challenge
T he Vodafone Vanua XVs team are raring to go on their historic New Zealand tour after watching the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua win the Australian National Rugby Championship last Saturday.
The side presented their i-tatau to the President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote at Borron House, Suva yesterday.
Head coach Inoke Male said they are using the Fijian Drua success as a benchmark.
The former Flying Fijians head coach who is assisted by Sireli Bobo said the tour is also going to put his coaching skills to the test. “This tour provides a development pathway for the Vanua players and I want to help take them to another level,” Male said.
“We have selected our players based on their performance, fitness and discipline.”
The team consist of players that have predominantly featured in the Vodafone Vanua Challenge competition. Their feature match during the two-week tour will be against Heartland XVs.
Male has named 30-year-old Northland’s Taniela Liwa to captain the side.
Speaking to SUNsports, Liwa said the team have set a goal and that is to win all their matches.
“The Drua team has really motivated us. We think if they can beat an Australian team, we can also do it against the Heartland side. I’m confident that our squad can also deliver the goods.”
President Konrote wished the team well and urged the players to learn from Male and assistant coach Bobo.
The Vodafone XVs consist of players playing in the Vodafone Vanua Challenge.
These teams are Northern Bulls, Tavua, Yasawa, Vatukoula, Ovalau, Bua, Macuata, Cakaudrove, Nasinu, Serua, Ba, Lautoka and the list goes on. - Edited by Leone Cabenatabua