Stakes high in local derby

Fiji Times - Saturday, May 17, 2008 1:29 PM

WARRIORS first-five-eighth Waisea Luveniyali, halfback Aporosa Vata and wings Patrick Osborne and Timoci Nagusa are being eyed for a place in the Flying Fijians side for the first match against Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup series.

Fiji coach Ilivasi Tabua will name his 26-member team on Monday and the Pacific Rugby Cup match between Air Pacific Fiji Warriors and Barbarians today will be the final selection ground.

With most of the overseas-based players not available or finishing off club commitments later, the onus is now on the local talent to raise the bar.

Apart from the four, former sevens wing Malakai Bakaniceva, number eight Deryck Thomas, flanker Aca Ratuva, hooker Vereniki Sauturaga and prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua should get the nod.

Tabua has pointed out Warriors hooker Viliame Veikoso could push for selection after a strong season so far.

"He (Veikoso) has shown form and apart from being good in the scrum, he does well in general play," Tabua said.

Barbarians centre Ropate Ratu could be the number one choice for the midfield because of the absence of Seru Rabeni (suspended), Gabriel Lovobalavu (injured) and Seremaia Bai (club commitments).

"The halfback, first-five eighth, centres and wingers positions are what we are looking at mainly," Tabua said.

Nadi's Viliame Seuseu is top choice to cover at tight head prop.

Stallions lock Rupeni Nasiga who will not feature for the Warriors today is another front runner.

Nasiga, who has scored two tries in this season's PRC, will instead attend the funeral of his uncle and former Fiji skipper Ratu Meli Kurisaru who passed away at his home in Sigatoka Village after a short illness last Saturday.

Fiji Warriors coach Iliesa Tanivula is adamant his team will come away with a win, calling up one replacement to the 22-member squad that took on the Tau'uta Reds at Lautoka's Churchill Park last weekend.

"Our campaign has not been what we had hoped," Tanivula said.

"We can't do much to change anything but I believe we can still do good for our players in this game to help them win places in the team for the IRB Pacific Nations Cup." "We lost when we met pre-season so we're hoping to come away with a better result in Labasa this weekend."

Barbarians coach Eddie Waqa admits it will be tough to come away with a similar feat this Saturday.

"You have to consider the Fiji Warriors will not only want to better their standing in the table but to have more players make the Flying Fijians team for the Pacific Nations Cup," Waqa said.

"That does not mean we will give in easily. My boys have performed well this season even with little experience.

"I think they deserve a chance. So a win for us would go some way in improving their chances of making the Fiji squad."

The match kicks off at Subrail Park at 3pm.

Warriors:Iliesa Keresoni, Timoci Nagusa, Epeli Vuicuvu, Vuniyani Ratu, Malakai Bakaniceva, Waisea Luveniyali, Aporosa Vata (capt), Deryck Thomas, Aca Ratuva, Wate Vocevoce, Samuela Anise, Mosese Vasuitoga, Viliame Seuseu, Vereniki Sauturaga, Alefoso Yalayalatabua

Reserves: Viliame Veikoso, Isireli Temo, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Jale Koroitukana, Saula Radidi, Jonetani Ralulu, Patrick Osborne

Barbarians: Isimeli Koniferedi, Apisalome Waqatabu, Ropate Ratu, Tikiko Uluiviti, Vima Tuidraki, Ravai Fatiaki, Nemia Kenatale, Aca Bibi, Ameniasi Nava, Filipe Kuruvoli, Mosese Fatiaki, Mitieli Cama (capt), Setefano Somoca, Aseri Buli, Sakeo Latianara. Reserves: Eseroma Cakacaka, Sikeli Gavidi, Joeli Lutumailagi, Samu Bola, Kelemedi Bola, Masi Naoma, Amani Bosenawai