Former Fiji Bati and NRL player, Wise Kativereta says the Fiji Warriors will need to adapt to the wet weather conditions and focus on defence to beat Queensland A in Brisbane tonight.
Warriors coach Inoke Male brought Kativereta on board to assist the team ahead of their Pacific Rugby Cup opener to provide his defensive expertise as an Australian Institute of Sport league coach.
“We’ve done some defence work which they need me to work with the boys, I saw that they need a bit of help there and a bit of skill work. With the game and because of the weather, I think Male has already worked with the combination and his main focus to keep it simple and not to overplay – the rain hasn’t stopped and the boys have to change the tactic of playing. Defnece is importnat, a lot of people talk about pattern, pattern is the last thing to worry about. the first things is tackling, the boys are struggling with their tackle technique. Even contact alone whether you want to win the ruck by hitting and winning the ball straight away, lifting and staying off the ground or you want to win the ruck when you hit the ground and that’s a few things we’re gonna work with in the game.”
The Warriors play Queensland A at 8pm in Ballymore and a live commentary of the match will air on Bula FM with the voice of rugby, Graham Eden.
Tonga A takes on the Junior Waratahs in Sydney.
Warriors(1-15): Setefano Somoca, Seru Cakobau, Waisea Daveta, Iliesa Ratuva, Tevita Cavubati, Kelepi Ketedromo (C ), Apakuki Vuaviri, Mosese Volavola, Apenisa Nasilasila, Jonetani Ralulu, Aisea Natoga, Leone Tabuarua, Adriu Delai, John Stewart, Metuisela Talebula
Reserves: Seremaia Naureure, Isireli Temo, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Samu Bola, Kolinio Vunaki, Paula Karatu, Paula Tiko
Queensland(1-15): Kevin Davis, Mitch Wade, Ruan SMith, Tim Buchanan, Blake Enever, Eddie Quirk ©, Matt Blain, Jarrad Butler, Nick Frisby. Dallan Murphy (VC), Mitche;l FElsman, Ulupano Seuteni, Joel Faulkner, Cjhris Feauia-Sautia, James Ambrosini
Reserves: Maile Ngaumo, Jack Kimminince, Pettowa Paraka, Michael Stohlberg, Curtis Browning, Matt Lucas, Nathaniel Gendle
