Babas key players in casuality list

Fiji Times - Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:34 PM

THE Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians have suffered a major blow with two key players ruled out of their Pacific Rugby Cup away game against Tau'tahi Gold in Tonga tomorrow.

Number eight Josefa Nagatalevu and backline utility Ravai Fatiaki sustained injuries during the Barbarians match against Tau'uta Reds at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last Saturday.

Nagataevu, who was initially brought in to replace captain Samuela Bola has a cocked thigh while Fatiaki sustained bruises to his ribs.

Fatiaki was replaced by Amani Bosenawai 30 minutes into the encounter against the Reds while Nagatalevu was subbed by Setefano Somoca ten minutes into the second spell.

Barbarians coach Etuate Waqa said both players will not be available until next week.

He said this was a setback for the side because they were going all out to make it into the top two.

"They good players with lost to offer," Waqa said.

"It's unfortunate they will not be able to recover in time for the next encounter. However, there is some reprieve as we are getting Samu back from injury. I will draw the other replacements from within the 30 member squad."

The Barbarians registered their first victory after beating the Reds 25-24 last week.

The Barbarians have five points from three matches. The side is in a must win situation.

Waqa said the win against the Reds had boosted the confidence and moarle in camp.

He said the boys hope to prove their critics wrong and accomplish their mission by qualifying for the final.

"The final is not out of our grasp as yet," Waqa said.

"It was good to see the boys lift themselves against a powerful Tonga team last week.

"They have the confidence in themselves. They realise they can achieve their goal."

The Barbarians will face the Warriors in the final match of the PRC on May 17.

The team rounded off its training at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Tuesday.

Waqa said the focus at training was on phase play.

"The players worked on their reaction time to certain phases of the game," Waqa said.

"They have been improving in every game."

The match between the Barbarians and Tau'tahi Gold will kick-off at 3pm at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa.