Fiji names World Cup squad

[Burgs]

Fiji names World Cup squad

From staff reporters, Fox Sports
July 13, 2007

FIJI has named a forward-based 30-man squad to compete at the Rugby World Cup in France later this year, with a 17-13 split in favour of the pack.

The forwards will now come under the guidance of Australian Greg Mumm, who said Fiji had the ability to upset Wales and Australia, their leading rivals in Pool B at the Rugby World Cup.

"Our forwards will be more competitive," Mumm said.

"We can defeat Wales as we have got the size up front and our forwards have got a good height advantage.

"The only thing we need to work on is to improve on the set pieces."

Mumm said he was "confident that we can upset Wales and we can also match the Wallabies" if Fiji could dominate possession.

Fiji Squad

Forwards:

Graham Dewes, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Sunia Koto, Vereniki Sauturaga, Jone Railomo, Henry Qiodravu, Bill Gadolo, Iferemi Rawaqa, Kele Lewere, Isoa Domolailai, Wame Lewaravu, Jone Qovu, Netani Talei, Semisi Naevo, Sisa Koyamaibole, Aca Ratuva, Akapusi Qera.

Backs:

Jone Dunivucu, Mosese Rauluni, Nicky Little, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Maleli Kunavore, Vilimone Delasau, Isoa Naivua, Filimone Bolavucu, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Norman Ligairi.

[Burgs]

Fiji not going for money

From Fox staff writers
July 19, 2007

FIJI players will each receive F$15,000 ($11,100) for playing at this year's World Cup, the Fiji Times reports today. (About what a pro SH player earns per match )

"This is the best we can do," Fiji Rugby Union sponsorship director Viliame Varasikete told the newspaper.

"Apart from the $15,000, players will get allowances while here and at the Rugby World Cup, and bonuses for wins."

Varasikete said all players will receive equal cash.

"We used to have preferential payments for players but now everyone gets the same amount," he said.

Team sponsors have offered additional bonuses, which will be paid on a pro-rata basis, depending on how far the team progresses.

Fiji will play in Pool B with Australia, Wales, Japan and Canada, and expects to at lest make the tournament quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, 14 officials who will accompany the team, were drug- tested this week and no trace of banned substances were found.

Urine tests were carried out by the Fiji Sports Drug Agency after allegations team officials had been seen smoking marijuana.

"The allegations were always baseless and hearsay and it shouldn't have gone that far," said Fiji coach Ili Tabua.

[Burgs]

No room for Caucau

Monday, July 16, 2007

Regular captain Alifereti Doviverata and winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca have been left out of Fiji's preliminary squad for this year's World Cup in France.

Doviverata captained Fiji at the 2003 World Cup and during this year's Pacific Nations Cup but was overlooked for the 30-man squad, made up of 17 forwards and 13 backs.

He did earn a place on a 15-man pool of back-up players but there was no spot for Caucaunibuca, who is currently serving a doping ban.

The France-based winger is Fiji's best-known player after thrilling the crowds at the last World Cup with his destructive running, but has made only a handful of appearances for his country since.

In 2005, he was banned from representing Fiji for a year after failing to show up at the World Cup qualifiers, but made a return appearance when his suspension was finished.

Caucaunibuca is currently serving a three-month ban after testing positive for marijuana, but his sentence had been backdated to allow him to be available for Fiji's second World Cup match.

The Fijian Rugby Union is still trying to ascertain whether Caucaunibuca can be selected while he is serving the ban. A decision is expected before the final squad is submitted for the tournament.

Fiji coach Ili Tabua is yet to decide on his new skipper. Fiji are drawn in World Cup Group B along with Australia, Wales, Canada and Japan.

[no.8]

Sun Tze: "We come now to the question of encamping the army, and observing signs of the enemy".

Forwards - Graham Dewes, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Sunia Koto, Vereniki Sauturaga, Jone Railomo, Henry Qiodravu, Bill Gadolo, Iferemi Rawaqa, Kele Leawere, Isoa Domolailai, Wame Lewaravu, Jone Qovu, Netani Talei, Semisi Naevo, Sisa Koyamaibole, Aca Ratuva, Akapusi Qera.

Backs - Jone Dunivucu, Mosese Rauluni, Nicky Little, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Maleli Kunavore, Vilimone Delasau, Isoa Neivua, Filimone Bolavucu, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Norman Ligairi.

Head coach: Ilivasi Tabua

High Performance Unit manager: Peter Murphy