Shop N Save Fiji Warriors head coach Cohen Politini is optimistic about his young squad, primarily made up of players under the age of 23, as they prepare for an exciting one-off match against the touring Australian Country team. The contest is set to take place tomorrow at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, with kickoff scheduled for 4pm.
Politini expressed confidence in his players’ fitness, stating that they have been well-conditioned despite the limited preparation time. “Most of these boys have been conditioned well, and we are at the back-end of our local season. It’s just a matter of us getting them to gel as a team, and we’ve been doing that well for the past few days,” he noted.
Adding to the team’s potential, Politini highlighted the inclusion of three new players from the Vanua Cup competition. He believes that, with the guidance of senior players, these young athletes are on a promising path toward aspiring for a place in the Flying Fijians.
“We’ve got 31 boys in camp, and a handful are here to gain exposure to this environment, coming from our B-Division competition, the Vanua Cup. Exposing them to this setting is vital as it prepares them for their next step toward the Flying Fijians,” Politini explained.
On the other side, the visiting Australian Country squad features a blend of players from regional areas, including farmers and tradesmen from the Stockman rugby club. Coached by former Wallabies and Brumbies assistant coach Bew Mowen, the Australian team has spent two weeks in Fiji, honing their skills through warm-up matches against the Army rugby team and a combined Malolo rugby side.
Mowen acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “We know it’s going to be a tough game this weekend, but we also know we have prepared well, and we’re looking forward to putting our best game forward.”
Furthermore, the match holds significance beyond sport, as all gate proceeds will be donated to the Fiji Cancer Society, supporting a noble cause within the community.
As both teams gear up for this highly anticipated encounter, there is a sense of excitement surrounding the potential for a thrilling display of rugby. The combination of youthful exuberance from the Fiji Warriors and the experienced Australian Country team sets the stage for a memorable clash that extends beyond the rugby field, showcasing teamwork and camaraderie in the spirit of sportsmanship.