Namosi loses skipper France a threat, says Fuli
THE Namosi rugby side has been dealt with a major blow as seasonal captain Sakiusa Nadruku will not be leading the team this year.
Namosi Rugby Union president Sowane Puamau has confirmed the lanky forward has left for greener pastures to New Zealand.
“He has taken with him a lot of leadership qualities and we will need look at that in the new season,” Puamau said.
“It will be a big challenge for us. We will try and get some new boys in the team to assist us this season.”
The side has begun training under the watchful eyes of coach Viliame Veikoso.
“Last year, our target was to remain in the top division. Having evaluated our result in the middle of the season, we re-strategised and our aim was to just remain in the top division. We will build on that experience and try and go to the top notch,” Puamau added.
He elaborated on the need for a good start to the season.
“Very important to have a good start. This is something I always mention to my players and officials.
“All teams will be at their peak in the mid-season. We must rely on the pre-season preparation and get wins in the beginning of the season.”
Meanwhile, the Namosi RU will have its Annual General Meeting next week.
The Skipper Cup competition begins on February 24.
FRANCE will be a real threat to the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team’s campaign in Perth, Australia.
Fijiana will square up against the French in their last pool match today at 2.22pm.
France is currently second on the HSBC SVNS Series standings with 34 points while teh Fijiana are fourth with 24 points.
Head coach Saiasi Fuli said they’ve done their homework.
“France did well in Cape Town, they managed to reach the final and yes, they are always unpredictable,” the former Fiji 7s player said from Perth earlier this week.
“We have been doing our own analysis on profiling players and also profiling the team, so we just have to start well and continue from there,” he said.
The last time the two sides met was during the quarterfinals of the Cape Town 7s last month.
Our national women’s side lost 17-19 to the 2020 Olympic sevens silver medalist.
Fijiana is yet to win a tournament in the World Series.