Fiji Bati works on defensive game

Submitted by TemoL on Thu, 25/06/2009 - 9:33am

Defence will be a play a big part in the Fiji Bati's preparations as they take on the British Lions league team this Saturday.

Vodafone Fiji Bati coach Joe Rabele said while they would be deprived of several national representatives, he was confident that players that have been chosen would stay up.

"The majority of our reps are on duty with their respective clubs overseas and we have lost a we players to rugby Union," says Rabele.

"However, with the players we have right now we are confident of a good start to the international season."

The Bati side lost Waisele Suka and Alipate Tanivula to Rugby union, with both players featuring for the national 15's team in the Pacific Nations Cup.

"Both Suka and Tani are great players and although we will miss their services we wish the best for them," says Rabele.

Other players who took Fiji to the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup who will not feature include Jarred Haynes, Ashton Sims and Aaron Groom and Semi Tadulala.

He said they did have several local players who took part in the Rugby League World Cup which includes Jone Wasele.

"But right now our concern is the British Lions and we have been working hard on our defensive game," Rabele said.

The Fiji Bati will take on the British Lions league team at 2pm on Saturday at the TFL Stadium.