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 TEIVOVO.COM – UNDER 19s
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Tuesday 30 January 2007
U19s fitness shines through
By William Tabuya
Fiji U19s coach Josua Toakula says the fitness level of his side proved the deciding factor in their 22-17 win over the FRU High Performance Unit Academy at the Suva Grammar grounds on Saturday.
“We won because the U19 boys were fitter than their opponents,” Toakula told Teivovo. “It was a good team effort. The forwards, particularly, did their part well in the line-outs and scrums.”
“Our game plan was to run the ball and we did just that. The HPU side could not take the pace of the game.”
The Academy team, laced with former U21 flanker Remesio Ratukana, hooker Buinimasi Bese and wing Paulo Tiko, found the going tough as their younger, smaller opponents took control.
“The Academy team boasted some experienced players who play in the Colonial Cup, Sanyo Cup and in the Farebrother, but they just could not match the U19s,” Toakula said.
Level 17-17 at half time, the Seremaia Tagicakibau-led U19s stepped up their defence to cause all sorts of trouble for the HPU side.
With five minutes left, the U19s backline turned defence into attack from deep within their own territory. Quick passes by the backs saw Marist Brothers High School lock Temo Cama break from halfway to leave his markers in his wake.
“The final 26-member squad was supposed to be named after the game but we have delayed naming it,” Toakula said.
HPU manager Peter Murphy also applauded the U19s.
“The U19s boys played really well considering they were up against older and more experienced players,” Murphy said. “They played together as a team and it is great to see them blending as a unit.”
“However, the Academy side looked less prepared and less fit. They were taken by surprise.”
Murphy believes the real test will come when the two sides lock horns again in a month's time.
“The HPU Academy will be more prepared and fitter. At the moment, they are preparing with their individual Colonial Cup teams.”
Murphy confirmed that former Wallaby Matt Ryan will be assisting the U19s scrums as they prepare for the World Championships in Belfast in April.
“The Academy’s scrum was better and more steady,” Murphy said. “The U19s coach has already attended the scrum schools with Ryan and we will provide more assistance if need be.”
The Fiji U19s will return to camp on Thursday and take on the Highlanders U21s on 7 March.
U19s main page
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