Simpson rallies his troops

Fiji Times - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:50 AM

PLAYING three warm-up matches in the build-up to the Junior World Cup will suit the mental and physical preparation of the Fiji under-20 rugby side.

Fiji takes on Tonga on May 17 in Lautoka before meeting their Australian counterparts on May 25.

The side will also play Norths while in Australia before leaving for Wales.

Fiji coach Rayne Simpson, who is in the country holding a three day camp which ends tomorrow, said he had planned out things accordingly.

"I am replicating how it will be at the World Cup and the days in between the games," Simpson said.

"The three games will be enough for us to judge and work on areas which needs improvement."

Fiji has a strong side with a number of former Fiji U19 reps and their work rate has delighted Simpson and former England prop Trevor Woodman who is assisting the coaching staff.

"I have been getting some positive feedbacks about the players doing their training and work and that is impressive," Simpson said.

"The boys are looking good.

"Trevor said there was still some work which needed to be done with the forwards."

The JWC structure comprises four pools with the winner of each progressing to have a chance of winning the overall championship title, while the other teams will play for a positional ranking.

Fiji is in Pool C with Australia, England and Canada in Newport.