PNG Pukpuks depart for Fiji

THE PNG Export Lager Pukpuks determination to be competitive on the international scene following its successful qualification to the World Sevens Series Circuit saw a 16-man training squad leave for Fiji yesterday.

This is for a three-week training program for the Pukpuks to prepare themselves for the Wellington 7’s tournament in New Zealand from February 6-8. The Wellington 7’s will see 16 of the world’s top rugby 7’s nations split into four pools for two days of non-stop rugby action.

The tournament will be the first leg of the Pukpuks World Series Circuit campaign.

Team Manager Billy Rapilla said Wellington will be a huge step up for the Pukpuks, therefore the team is not taking any chances in terms of preparation.

Rapilla said the choice of Fiji as a preparatory venue is ideal. "Fiji has been a venue that has been continuously overlooked in the past.

"However, as the best component of Rugby 7’s in the region, Fiji offers the best possible facilities and resources that can help prepare the boys (Pukpuks) well for the challenges to b e faced at Wellington.

"Fiji’s ranking at the world stage speaks for itself regarding the kind of resources it has to offer."

"Expense wise it is also very cheap.

"The Head Coach Fereti Verebula, being a Fijian himself is also a bonus for the team.

"His alignment in Fiji and the resources available to him over there will no doubt be a booster."

Recently qualifying for the World Circuit Series at the Oceania 7’s in Noosa, Australia last year after a ten year absence, expectations are high for the Pukpuks.

Rapilla said recent quality international exposure for the Pukpuks has hardened them and with the training program, the team is expected to perform well in Wellington.

"We realize the Wellington 7’s is a big step up from Noosa, but we expect to do a lot better than what has been done in the past."

"It will be a challenge because of the weather and the stage the world sevens series circuit is at the moment, but we are up to the challenge."

Returning from Fiji on January 26, a final 12 men team will be named for the Wellington 7’s Tournament.

The squad: Terence Uvau, Karo Kauna Jnr, Wesley Vali, Max Vali, Henry Liliket, Eugene Tokavai, David Susuve, Hensely Peter, Arthur Clement, Leo Tikot Jnr, Butler Morris, Hubert Tsereha, Clint Kut, Dondon Xavier, Henry Kalua, Stanis Susuve.

The new caps are Kauna Jr, Kut and David Susuve.

PNG Today/Post Courier