Tahs to play 2 matches in Fiji

Fiji Times - Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:14 AM

THE New South Wales Waratahs could play at least two matches here in September.

The proposed matches will push Fiji's bid to host Super 14 matches in the future with SANZAR (South African Rugby Union, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Australian Rugby Union).

The Waratahs and the Fiji Rugby Union have a close working relationship and the initial plan is to play two matches.

Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit manager Peter Murphy, who is in Australia, met with the Waratahs top brass yesterday.

The two games will be against a team made up outstanding players from the Air Pacific Fiji Warriors and Barbarians along with reps from the HPU and Academy sides.

The Waratahs will include their Wallabies and apart from a training camp they will conduct clinics.

At the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, the Fying Fijians backs coach Shannon Fraser came from the Waratahs. Earlier this year Waratahs Academy defense and scrum coach Joe Barakat and strength and conditioning coach Charlie Higgins worked with the Fiji under-20 side preparing for the Junior World Cup.

Barakat and Higgins will play key roles for Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup next month.

Murphy said the local players will get a chance to showcase their mettle and impress national selectors.

"Having the Tahs play in the country will boost the local players vying for 2011 and help raise the standard," Murphy said.

The Waratahs, who are in contention for a place in the semi-final in this year's S14, have a big following in Fiji.

Mainly due to Namatakula native Lote Tuqiri being in the side.

"We are happy to have a Super 14 side taking interest and available to come to the country to play and hold clinics," Murphy said.

He has tabled an offer to the Waratahs in a bid to host at least one of their 2009 S14 home games in Fiji.