Naitasiri veteran fly-half Etonia Rokotuisawa emphasizes the importance of team bonding and communication as the Skipper Select side gears up to face the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on February 6 at Churchill Park. Drawing from his extensive provincial experience, Rokotuisawa pointed out that the diverse backgrounds of the players necessitate a strong focus on relationships and teamwork during their training camp this week.
“One thing we really need to work on is our bonding and relationships in the team,” he stated. “We come from different teams, and if the bonding is good, then communication on the field will also be good. Communication is very important for us during the game.”
Rokotuisawa expressed gratitude to the Fiji Rugby Union for providing provincial players with the chance to join the Skipper Select team, allowing them to challenge themselves against Fiji’s top professional side. He believes that this encounter presents not only a significant challenge but also an opportunity for Drua officials to scout local talent.
“This is a good challenge for us, and if anything happens, it also gives Drua officials the chance to see us provincial players,” Rokotuisawa remarked. He sees the match as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Skipper Cup season, which will offer valuable exposure to players from smaller unions.
In a rallying call to the community, he encouraged rugby fans to come out in large numbers to support both the Skipper Select team and the Drua during this significant fixture. “I urge the fans to come out in numbers and support both teams,” he added.
The clash between the Skipper Select and the Drua is anticipated to draw significant interest as it allows provincial players a rare opportunity to test their skills against opponents from the Super Rugby Pacific level, enhancing their exposure and experience in the sport.