'Junior' Waratahs test waters with Fiji
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:41
'Junior' Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey has selected an impressive line-up for the team's final match of their development tour against the Fiji Warriors on Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Ben Mowen, the two-try hero from the 31-20 victory over Nadi, will lead the side which includes a further four players with Super 14 experience in the starting XV.
Parramatta forward Steve Mafi, Eastwood back Ben Batger and Northern Suburbs centre Andrew Smith were not considered for selection due to injuries sustained in Monday's opening match of the tour.
The Junior Waratahs will take an eight-man bench into the clash, with modified rules allowing all players to receive game time.
Like the team selected for the first match of the tour, the side for tomorrow night's match has been brought together from across Sydney club rugby with nine clubs represented in the starting XV.
The team is enjoying a day away from training today as they prepare for the Warriors clash, which Hickey expects to be very physical.
"The Warriors have been in camp for at least a week since playing Romania 'A' which they actually used as a warm-up for this match which shows how seriously they're taking it," said Hickey.
"While we were reasonably happy with our performance on Monday night, we're probably looking for at least another 20% improvement against the Warriors."
The squad has also been enjoying the cultural side of the visit to the Pacific nation, last night taking part in a traditional ceremony and meal in one of the villages.
"The pre-match function was held in a local village and it was just terrific," said Hickey.
"The Warriors team was there as well, we took part in a traditional kava ceremony and all the guys thought it was a pretty good occasion.
The Fiji Warriors have made some late changes to their squad with lock Leone Nakarawa and props Setefano Somoca and Sireli Temo all called away due to work commitments.
Their places have been taken by Counties-Manakau loose forward Rupeni Nasiga, Nadi prop John Jackson and Taivelu front row forward Sisari Tagivakatini, with Warriors' coach Joji Rinakama confident the last minute re-shuffle would have minimal impact on the squad.
"They are also in tip-top shape having come away from games last weekend, and Monday in the case of Jackson, so I don't think it's something to be worried about," said Rinakama.
'Junior' Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Ed Jenkins, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 David Tautaiolefue, 11 Ratu Nasiganiyavi, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Jeremy Su'a, 8 Ben Mowen (captain), 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Chris Thomson, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Rob McMicken.
Replacements - from: 16 Elvis Levi, 17 Aaron Tawera, 18 Jeremy Tilse, 19 Ben Coridas, 20 Lachlan McCaffrey, 21 Vinnie Byrne, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23
Rowan Kellam.
Fiji Warriors: 15 Naisa Narukutabua, 14 Sionasa Vunisa, 13 Ropate Ratu, 12 Josefa Satini, 11 Tikiko Uluiviti, 10 Koroi Yavala, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Samu Bola, 7 Kelepi Ketedromo, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Aloesi Naililo, 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 3 Ravuama Samo, 2 Navi Bolatagici, 1 Jeke Lalai.
Replacements - from: Viliame Veikoso, John Jackson, Temo Vakaloloma/Turuva Lumelume, Jese Cirikisuva/Timoci Vuadreu, Netani Koroi, Kaminieli Neiqisa/Jone Kuruaduadua.
Date: Saturday, October 11
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Kick-off: 18.00 (06.00 GMT)
Referee: James Bolabiu
Touch judges: Mikea Rokodrakia, Saivasa Tawake
Referee coach/manager: Pat Gock
With thanks to nswrugby.com.au
