Bring it on: Savage tells Fijiana XVs
The Wahine Maori rugby expect the Rooster Chicken Fijiana XVs side to put on a good game in tonight’s clash at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. They are an invitational side from North Island.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday captain Aroha Savage challenged the players to rise to the occasion.
“The Fijiana side will give us their best shot as they are heading to the World Cup next month,” she said.
“We know they’re going to be fast and physical but we are ready for them.”
Savage said yesterday they have come off their Provincial Cup competition in New Zealand and all their players are in top shape.
“We’re ready to bring it to the Fijiana team tomorrow (today). We are lucky to be playing them in the evening rather than right on the peak of the day. We have come here with no expectation but just become the best of what we can be. It was short notice to be here but we are happy to be here.”
She said they were excited to be in Suva to play the Fijiana XVs.
“We are grateful for the opportunity as we don’t get this kind of opportunity. It’s going to be massive especially for the Fijiana XVs.”
Savage added that their game structure would be similar to the Fijiana side.
“We know that Fijian rugby play a lot of unstructured rugby, lots of off-loads so we are expecting nothing but the best from them. We play similar type of rugby. We express ourselves in a way that it’s a free flowing game.” The match kicks off at 6pm.
Fijian in Black Ferns squad
Former Suva Grammar School student Tanya Kalounivale is named in the 32-member Black Ferns squad for the World Cup, which gets underway on October 8 to November 12. The team announcement was done by head coach Wayne Smith. Veteran Black Ferns Sevens forward Sarah Hirini and Portia Woodman are also included in the squad.