Padre tips western giant

Fiji Times - Saturday, April 05, 2008 7:52 AM

FLYING Fijians assistant coach Reverend Joji Rinakama tips two time Colonial Cup runners-up, the Crusaders to have an edge over the Knights during the final in Nausori today.

Rinakama, whose Stallions side was bundled out by the Crusaders during round robin five, said the Iliesa Tanivula-coached side had matured over the years.

"The Crusaders have appeared in the final twice and are eager to get their name engraved on the trophy," Rinakama said.

"A lot of their players have been together over the years and have built up a good combination. A lot of them have the experience of playing for the Barbarians and Warriors and gone on to represent the Flying Fijians."

Rinakama said the Crusaders had a formidable forward pack which has gelled well over the weeks.

"They are used to playing in the final and I think they will have the advantage of knowing what it is like."

But the Nadroga coach warned the Knights can not be ruled out as they deserved to be in the final.

"They have the core of the Tailevu team in their squad which beat Nadroga last year for the Farebrother Challenge Trophy," he said.

"They have shown what they are capable of and most of players have been around the scene for the past four years.

"To beat the Crusaders, they must believe that nothing is impossible. They need to be psyched up well as they are capable of toppling any team."

Rinakama said the final will be a battle of two "good coaches" in Tanivula and Eddie Waqa.

"Both coaches know how to prepare players for the final and all this a benefit to Fiji rugby. I wish both coaches the best."