Players input impresses Simpson

Fiji Times - Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:12 AM

FIJI under-20 coach Rayne Simpson has been impressed with the input of the five Australia-based players who joined the side for the first time this week.

The five are Malakai Kaci, Alexander Rokobaro, Eroni Tava, Lai Kaumaitotoya and Venaia Navutoto.

The young Flying Fijians broke camp yesterday after a hectic three days training camp in Suva in preparation for the Junior World Cup to be played in Wales in June.

"They play at a higher level in Australia and have bought in some new things to the team," Simpson said.

"They have adapted very well and I have been impressed.

"These overseas-based players have also been learning a lot from their local counterparts."

The former Sharks coach was impressed with the fitness level of the players and said it showed the youngsters were being honest in following their training programs.

"We have been working on a lot of basics and one of the main areas is passing which we have been trying to get the players well adjusted to," he said.

"This is an important facet of play.

"We are 60 per cent where we wanted to be and by the start of the tournament we will be right where we want to be."

Simpson was to have named 42 players in the Elite Development Squad last night who will come back into camp next month.

Following that there will be two more camps in April before the team gets together in May.

The side will play a one off Test against Tonga on May 17 in Lautoka before leaving for Australia.

While there, two matches against North's and Sydney University will be played before the side leaves for Wales.

Fiji is pooled with Australia, England and Canada for the June 6-22 tournament.