HSBC Waratahs announced for Fiji Warriors clash
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Friday, 10 October 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
HSBC 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 tomorrow night at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Locals get to know the HSBC Junior Waratahs at training in Nadi.
Locals get to know the HSBC Junior Waratahs at training in Nadi.
Damien Fitzpatrick makes a friend at Prince Charles Park.
Damien Fitzpatrick makes a friend at Prince Charles Park.
The Junior Waratahs newest fan arrives at training.
The Junior Waratahs newest fan arrives at training.
HSBC Junior Waratahs
HSBC Junior Waratahs
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 rower 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.
Temperatures in the high-20s are expected for tomorrow evening's clash which kicks off at 6:00pm local time (5:00pm AEDT).
HSBC JUNIOR WARATAHS V FIJI WARRIORS
Saturday, 11 October 2008 (Kick-off 6:00pm FJT, 5:00pm AEDT)
Churchill Park, Lautoka
HSBC JUNIOR WARATAHS
1. Rob McMicken (Eastern Suburbs)
2. Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood)
3. Dan Palmer (Southern Districts)
4. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts)
5. Chris Thomson (Northern Suburbs)
6. Scott Fardy (Warringah)
7. Beau Robinson (Warringah)
8. Ben Mowen [c] (Randwick)
9. Jeremy Su'a (Penrith)
10. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University)
11. Ratu Nasiganiyavi (Randwick)
12. David Tautaiolefue (West Harbour)
13. Mitch Inman (Sydney University)
14. Ed Jenkins (Sydney University)
15. Sam Norton-Knight (Northern Suburbs).
Reserves
Elvis Levi (Penrith), Aaron Tawera (Eastern Suburbs), Jeremy Tilse (Sydney University), Ben Coridas (Eastwood), Lachlan McCaffrey (Eastwood), Vinnie Byrne (Gordon), Kurtley Beale (Northern Suburbs), Rowan Kellam (Eastwood).
Not considered due to injury
Steve Mafi (Parramatta) Andrew Smith (Northern Suburbs) Ben Batger (Eastwood)
FIJI WARRIORS (squad only)
Backs: Aminiasi Bosenawai (Naitasiri), Nemia Kenatale (Tailevu), Naisa Narukutabua (Nadroga), Ropate Ratu (Lautoka), Josefa Satini (Naitasiri), Wiliame Saukuru (Nadi), Tikiko Uluiviti (Tailevu), Waisale Vatuvoka (Naitasiri), Sionasa Vunisa (Nadi), Apisalome Waqatabu (Nadroga), Koroi Yavala (Sharks).
Forwards: Samuela Bola (Suva), Navitalai Bolatagici (Easts ACT), Jese Cirikisuva (Naitasiri), John Jackson (Nadi) Kelepi Ketedromo (Nadi), Waqabaca Kotobalavu (Tailevu), Jeke Lalai (Suva), Turuva Lumelume (Nadi), Rupeni Nasiga (Counties Manakau NZ), Alosio Neiliko (Nadi), Apisalome Ratuniyarawa (Naitasiri), Ravuama Samo (Nadi), Sisari Tagivakatini (Taivelu), Temo Vakaloloma (Suva U20), Viliame Veikoso (Nadi).