PNC- all teams are in Samoa for action.
A warm Samoan welcome. photo Zoomfiji
The striking training ground. photo Zoomfiji
Sireli Naqelevuki. photo Zoomfiji
Jetting in on the red eye flight the Fijian side were the last to arrive for the PNC tournament in Samoa.
Blurry eyed but yet laid back, the Flying Fijians have arrived in Samoa for the PNC. All bodies are in fit condition and the mood is relaxed as the men flew into Samoa territory for the remainder of the PNC, they have started well & will be keen to push forward in round 2.
In their way for glory are local hosts Samoa, Tonga and Japan. Samoa got off to a winning start, a rather sluggish one at that, but a win is a win & at practice today in Apia they were finding the required rhythm.
The tropical climate in Samoa is another factor in the rugby equation, yesterday was a downpour and today it is sunny & baking hot. Water replenishment is vital and all squads are rehydrating their athletes at regular intervals.
At the picturesque setting of the St Josephs school, the Fijian team attacked a gruelling training routine to acclimatise to Samoa. Coach Sam Domoni was very hands on and running about as much as the players, backs and forwards were split and worked a lot on the contact area and unloading in wise ways. Sam said “We have to sharpen up the little things to do well this week, concentrating on the contact area and thinking smart about of field geography will be our key”.
He also smiled and shared that he does have a lot of player options, with Stormers and Super 14 player Sireli Naqelevuki fit and ready to fly, Domoni has some tough decisions to select his A team.
About a km or so down the road the Samoan side were strutting their stuff, in front of a small crowd they showed a lot more body contact & less chatter as they went about the task. Their last match used up the get out of jail card, now it is crunch time for them and there will be no excuses on their home track.
Catching taxi’s and walking the Apia streets there is great excitement with rugby in general, drivers give their input to the team, the country and beam with absolute joy at how wonderfully their Sevens team did. Rugby in the air here and the PNC fever is alive.