Naitasiri veteran fly-half Etonia Rokotuisawa has highlighted the critical role of team bonding and communication as the Skipper Select side prepares for their upcoming match against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on February 6 at Churchill Park. Drawing on his extensive experience in provincial rugby, Rokotuisawa emphasized that the varied backgrounds of the players necessitate a strong focus on building relationships and teamwork throughout 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.”
He expressed his appreciation to the Fiji Rugby Union for providing provincial players the opportunity to join the Skipper Select team and challenge themselves against one of Fiji’s top professional sides. Rokotuisawa views this match not only as a significant challenge but also as a chance 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,” he noted. He regards the match as vital preparation for the upcoming Skipper Cup season, which will give players from smaller unions valuable exposure.
Rokotuisawa rallied the local community, urging rugby fans to turn out in large numbers to support both the Skipper Select team and the Drua during this important fixture. “I urge the fans to come out in numbers and support both teams,” he added.
The anticipated clash between Skipper Select and the Drua is expected to draw significant interest, allowing provincial players a rare opportunity to showcase their skills against seasoned opponents from the Super Rugby Pacific tier, thereby enriching their experience in the sport. This match represents not just a competitive sporting event but also a celebration of rugby’s community spirit and the continuous development of local talent.