It is a blessing to come this far: Tuwai
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016 Olympian, Seremaia (Jerry) Tuwai, was happy with his team’s performance at the 44th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament.
The Flourishing Design Studio Barbarian Brothers went down 10 - 12 in the Cup semifinal to Police White yesterday.
They faced Police Blue for the third place play off and were victorious, 26 -7.
The team is laced with young promising players like Kaminieli Rasaku, Anasa Qaranivalu, Kitione Salawa, Taniela Sadrugu and Jiuta Wainiqolo.
The defending champs, Police, also had national reps like Suliano Volivoli, Terio Tamani, Livai Ikanikoda and Waisea Nacuqu.
Tuwai said this was a great start for his young boys.
“I thank God for the opportunity and for bringing us this far,” he said.
“For us it is a miracle playing for the semi final. We just came in this week, no camp, no training together.
“And to come this far, it is a blessing for us.
“We played against the Police team, who has been camping. “This was a very good start for us, this will be our first tournament and we look forward to few tournaments ahead of us.
“The main aim of this club was to bring in young talent, and to give them the opportunity to play in the highest level of rugby in Fiji.
“We were excited about this tournament. I have been training for a long time, and there were no games. I am happy with my fitness and I look forward to the tournament ahead.”
Kaminieli placement Rasaku best
rover
re
Tuwai has commended Rasaku for an outstanding performance at the Marist 7s.
He said that he would be a perfect replacement for the rover.
“He is the missing link to the Fiji 7s right now, because Botitu and
Tuimaba have gone overseas. So he will be a good replacement for the rover position.”
Tuwai also thanked their main sponsor Flourishing Design Studio and all those who had contributed to the team.
First 7s outing for Sadrugu
Meanwhile, Suva flanker Taniela Sadrugu, featured for his first 7s tournament during the 44th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.
And he has commended Ratu Ka
davulevu School head coach, Nacanieli Saumi, for his continuous support and being a close monitor of his training programmes.
The former RKS student started playing rugby in primary school, before he joined the Nabua team after high school.
“For all my training programmes, coach Saumi has been guiding me and it was through his guidance, I joined the Nabua team,” he said. “And playing for my first Marist 7s, it was a great experience, hav
ing to play at a faster rate and takes a lot of endurance.
“I gave in my all, but I think my fitness level was only suitable for playing 15s.
“But if given a chance to represent Fiji, I will give it a try and I have to work hard towards it. It will all happen in God’s timing. “My aim right now is to complete all the Skipper games for Suva and keep on working for the white jumper.”
The Wailevu, Labasa native added
it that he has learnt a lot from playing with 7s veterans Seremaia and Pio Tuwai.
“I have learned to be confident and do not consider me as a young/ new player, but have confidence,” he said.
Seremaia Burotu and Semi Kunatuni are two players that he looks up to considering their tough tackles and versatility on attacks.