Tau'tahi wary of Babas flair

Fiji Times - Friday, May 09, 2008 8:07 AM

DESPITE having home ground advantage, the Tau'tahi Gold coaching staff is wary of the attacking powers of the Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians.

The two sides clash at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa this afternoon in a match which holds much value for both teams.

The hosts are second on the points table and will be out to secure maximum points while the Eddie Waqa coached Barbarians are on the fifth spot in the six team competition.

With players such as Tonga skipper Nili Latu, first five eight Fangatapu Apikotoa and halfback Soane Havea, the hosts will be no pushover.

"This is no easy game, you can't afford to give the Fijians the slimmest of space, they'll punish you all day," coach Liueli Fusimalohi told Times Sport.

"Our fitness is good, our preparation is going well, and there is no reason why we can't repeat our performance. We defended well, we attacked well and the team's effort was outstanding. We need another solid performance this week to set the platform for us to make the final."

The Fijians have been hit with injuries which delayed Waqa naming his team.

However, Waqa has faith in his players to continue from where they left off last week when they defeated Tau'uta Reds 25-24 at Lawaqa Park.

"There has been a lot of pressure and the players know what they have to do," Waqa said.

"A lot has been said and my players want to prove all wrong." He said the partisan Tongan crowd would play a key role for the home team, but his players must keep their heads down and work on getting a result.