Fiji rugby coach Ilivasi Tabua has raised his concern against the standard of referees in the Pacific Nations Cup tournament as he also named two debutants in his side to take on Tonga this weekend.

The former Australian rugby flanker is calling for fairness from rugby referees especially when controlling matches that involve Pacific islands rugby teams.

“I am not trying to blame the referee for our 13-50 loss to Australia A but I am asking rugby referees not to use matches to try and teach players, especially South Pacific rugby players. Perception seems to point that island rugby players are not well versed with rugby rules and referees inflict heavy penalties during matches when they make mistakes,” he added.

“Penalizing players on the field to teach them rules affect their performance and the overall result of a team. Players understand rules and referees should stick to lenient control of matches to allow entertaining rugby. Rugby in the pacific is going through a transition period where Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are trying their best to be on par with Tier One nations. Penalizing us on the field will not help in our development,” he added.

Meanwhile the Fiji team has named a strong line-up with a mixture of youth and experience to face the Tongans in Nuku’alofa on Saturday.

Tabua blended in new caps to counter the injury list after three rounds of the PNC.

Navosa flyer Jerry Tamanisau will replace injured Timoci Nagusa and Josefa Domolailai among lineout specialists instead of injured Ifereimi Rawaqa.

Fiji team against Tonga: 15 Dan Rawaqa, 14 Jerry Tuilevu, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki, 12 Saula Radidi (Marika Vakacegu), 11 Vereniki Goneva (Michael Tagicakibau), 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Aca Ratuva, 5 Deryck Thomas, 4 Josefa Domolailai, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dewes
Reserves: Vereniki Sauturaga, Viliame Seuseu, Sailosi Rabonaqica, Rupeni Nasiga, Nemia Kenatale, Jonetani Ralulu, Iliesa Keresoni.

Fijilive

Back to Home

Print