Two Fijian players have been included in the Crusaders 27-man squad for Super Rugby Pacific U20 competition in Taupo.
Tasman’s Maloni Kunawave and Timoci Sauira have made the cut.
Kunawale, 18, is also part of the New Zealand 7s program and featured for the side at the Coral Coast 7s in Sigatoka in January.
It’s the third time the annual tournament has been held and includes teams from the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders, Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.
It also includes a NZ Barbarians side.
“The team’s been training since the start of February in Nelson and Christchurch and have come together as a group four times with a focus on connection and care,” Coach Alex Robertson said.
“We’ve been focussing on core skills, the identity of the team, who we are and how we want to play. When the pressure comes on we want to ensure the lads know who they are and why they are fighting for each other.”
The team had two pre-season games versus the Hurricanes and Highlanders, coming away victorious on both occasions.
“It allowed us to build combinations and test our identity and connection as a group which was pleasing to see.
Games will be played Saturday 16 March, Tuesday 19 March and finals on Saturday 23 March at Owen Delany Park.
Crusaders U20 play Highlanders U20 at 5.05pm on Saturday in the last game of the opening day.
