International Defence Rugby competition
Kiwis bring in legendary Wayne Shelford to boost their campaign.
The Republic of the Fiji Military Forces rugby team are going to face New Zealand Defence Blacks in the semi-final of the International Defence Rugby Competition in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday.
This was confirmed yesterday by RFMF team official Captain (Navy) Osea Natuva, indicating that New Zealand Defence Blacks won 4735 against the Australian Defence Force.
“There are no major injuries at this moment,” he said.
“We are being well looked after by the Japanese Self Defence Ground
Forces.”
Natuva said the Fijian Embassy in Japan, led by Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga, had been very supportive.
“We are preparing for what we expect to be a spirited game from the Defence Blacks.”
Touch of class
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Defence Blacks have sorted the support of legendary All Blacks captain and Rugby World Cup winner, Wayne Shelford.
Shelford a former Royal New Zealand Navy member is travelling with the team. As patron of New Zealand Defence Force Rugby, he brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, which he will use to support the management group and get the best out of the players.
NZDF Contingent Commander Colonel James Kaio said the team had come together well during several training camps.
“We are an integrated military, so while the team members are all proud of the particular service they belong to, at the end of the day they are brothers in arms and train and play together accordingly,” Colonel Kaio said.
The team is made up of premier club rugby players, a number of whom compete at Heartland Rugby level.
“The standard of rugby at the IDRC was expected to be high again, with the teams from the United Kingdom, Fiji and Australia looking particularly good on paper,” Colonel Kaio said.
“But we don’t play on paper. The NZDF players know what is in front of them and are committed to representing the NZDF and New Zealand with passion, skill and professionalism.”