Fiji rugby tourists taking no chances

Press, 5 August 1980, Page 30

Fiji rugby tourists taking no chances

PA . Wanganui The Fijian rugby team is taking no chances for the opening match of its New Zealand tour against Wanganui at Spriggens Park, Wanganui, tomorrow. The. team’s manager, Mr Etuate Tavai named what he called Fiji’s strongest available team yesterday after two torrid practices in the city. ■ “We have a couple of players with minor muscle injuries,” said Mr Tavai, “but this is the best team we can field at present.” Only two men .— the locks, Kata Ratumuri and Vilikesa Vatunaliwali. — have .not previously worn Fijian colours and seven of the 15 players took the field

last month against the All Blacks.

“We recognise that Wanganui must be a good team and we ‘want to do. well at the start of our tour,” said Mr Tavai.

The Fijians, still adjusting to the sharply different climatic conditions of their homeland, were kept warm yesterday with morning and afternoon training sessions under the. coach, Vilikesa Mocelutu. Two of the tourists’ most experienced players, the 36-year-old full-back, Pita Kewa, and the second fiveeighth, Warne Gavidi, will spearhead a strong Fiji backline tomorrow. Kewa and Gavidi, whose appearances for Fiji date back to 1972, will team up with the Suva test players,

the half-back, Samisoni Virivira, and the left wing, Tevita Makutu. The other three backs — the right wing, Senivalatu Laulau, the centre, Seru Cavuilati, and the first fiveeighth, Esala Labalaba — have previously played at international level for their country. The team is: Pita Kewa (captain); Senivalatu Laulau, Seru Cavuilati, Tevita Makutu, Warne Gavidi, Esala Labalaba; Samisoni Virivira; Eneri Ratudradra, Ilami Lutumailagi, Kata Ratumuri, Vilikesa Vatunaliwali, lokimi Fainau, Peveli Kina, Sunia Seru, Jo Ravouvou. Reserves..-— Backs:- Paula Waisake, Rupeni Nikiyoyo, Kameli Yacalevu. Forwards: Peter Kean, Ilikimi Kungagogo, Viliame Ratudradra.