French experience will be Wakeham’s weapon
FIJI under-20 squad member Janeiro Wakeham will incorporate all he had learnt from his Stade Francais, Paris club when he runs out in the national jersey at the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship at the Gold Coast in Australia in the coming days.
The former Suva Grammar School student said he noticed a lot of differences in the style of play when he joined his club.
“There is a big difference in rugby played in France and in Fiji,” said Wakeham.
“It was a really good experience in my first season. I learnt a lot from them and noticed a big difference in the styles of play. I will share with my fellow team members what I have learnt and hopefully what I share with them will benefit Fijian rugby.”
Rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s best is something the Savusavu lad cherishes and he makes the best of the opportunity everytime.
“I am lucky to share the field with seasoned and senior players such as Waisea Nayacalevu and Ngani Laumape.
“There are a lot of talented players in the squad and we have been blessed to learn from these two.”
Going up against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina in either 15s or 7s is never easy and Wakeham knows they will have to fight hard for a win.
“We will work together and try our best to perform well.
“They are really good teams and to win against them will certainly not be easy.”
The national U20 side takes on New Zealand in their first match this Friday at Sunshine Coast Stadium at 9pm.
Their second match is against Australia at 8pm on Tuesday, July 5, while they face Argentina on Sunday, July 10, at 6pm.
Janerio Wakeham practice a lineout with teammates during a Fiji U20 training session at the Vodafone Arena at Laucala Bay, Suva.
FIJI Bati hooker Api Koroisau started for the New South Wales as they squared the State of Origin series with a dominant 4412 victory over Queensland in Game Two in Perth on Sunday night. Blues coach Brad Fittler made a number of changes after a first-up loss in Sydney and was vindicated as Matt Burton shone on debut and Jake Trbojevic was immense in his return to the Origin arena. Playmaker Nathan Cleary scored 24 points that included two tries and eight goals. The Blues scored seven tries two. The series now heads to Brisbane for a decider on July 13 with NSW carrying huge momentum and Billy Slater’s Maroons needing to regroup.