Dreadlock veteran Fijian center three quarter Seru Rabeni has called on the Flying Fijians to put on a warrior’s fighting spirit when they take on a star studded New Zealand Maori side in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka this weekend.

The robust Leicester Tigers midfielder, well known for his abrasive defensive game and sublime attacking game did not mince his words when speaking to Fijilive.com, calling on the Fijians to “Crush them,”

Rabeni who is serving a 14 week international rugby ban for dangerous play while competing in the English Premiership is in Suva organising a fundraising 7s tournament to be held at his village in Nasolo, Bua this weekend.

“The Maoris will be tough but no one can beat the stinging Fiji tackles and defence. That is our best weapon so use it against the Kiwis to rattle them on Saturday.”

Rabeni visited the team in Sigatoka this morning offering encouragement and advice to the Ilivasi Tabua-coached side.

“They can do it. They had a good start against Samoa but our finishing is still to be perfected. New Zealand Maori can be beaten and I have confidence in our team. We played well and beat Samoa but we have to plug the last quarter of the match. We have to maintain consistency and don’t allow the opposition to come back into the match. New Zealand has a structured playing pattern but once we settle, control and dominate the match, we should not give them another opening.”

“We should build on our finishing. The basics of rugby like handling and strong defence should be there. Drop balls will allow mistakes and once we give New Zealanders gaps they will penetrate our defence and haunt us. Don’t give them any chance by using strong defence and good moves. We will win on Saturday,” he added.

The Fiji team meanwhile, resumed training this afternoon at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka after beating Samoa 34-17.

They had a video review session and team meeting with coaches Tabua and former South Africa coach Jake White this morning.

Fijilive

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