Somoca ready if called up as captain

Nadroga prop and skipper Setefano Somoca says he is ready to lead if called up to captain the Flying Fijians on their 4-match tour of the Northern Hemisphere.

“At the end of the day its for the coaches to decide, but if selected it will be a big ask and I will try my best to live up to expectations,” the inspirational leader said.

“My main goal would be to ensure team work, better communication and togetherness in the squad during the tour both on and off the pitch.”

Somoca said playing in the Northern Hemisphere will not be easy.

“We are not playing any four teams. These are teams who are regarded highly in the rugby world. We have England a Tier one country, Gloucester, a top English club, and the Ireland XVs which is almost the Irish main team boasting players who have played and are currently in the Ireland main squad.

“We are not underestimating Georgia either. Against them we don’t come close when you compare resources that they have access to. So, they are all important games that we need to give our all through and through.”

Somoca is up against Scarlets’ Deacon Manu for the captain’s armband which is expected to be decided later tonight.

Former Flying Fijians captain Mosese Rauluni visited the players in camp which team manager Aseri Rokoura said was to be a morale booster after receiving news of the injured Masi Matadigo and Waisea Nayacalevu.

The 23-member squad to play England in their first outing at 3.30am (Fiji Time) Sunday will be announced at 11am Friday, 8 November (Fiji Time)

By Lavenia Vuadreu