The Fiji Rugby 15s coaching staff is now hoping that injured lock, Wame Lewaravu recovers for Fiji’s final pool match against Wales.
Lewaravu will not feature for Fiji against Samoa this Sunday due to a dislocated finger. A specialist examined his injury earlier today and he is likely to be out for two weeks.
Lewaravu took part in this morning’s training session in Auckland despite carrying the finger injury.
Meanwhile Fiji will appeal Dominiko Waqaniburotu’s three week suspension which was handed to him after he was cited for spear tackling South African fullback, Patrick Lambie.
Assistant Manager, Talemo Waqa said there is a feeling in camp that the three weeks suspension is quite excessive.
According to IRB rules, any decision on player suspension can be appealed within 48 hours after the ruling is handed down.
Meanwhile, Assistant Flying Fijians coach, Gregg Mum said Auckland’s atmosphere is electrifying and they have received good support from Fiji fans as the Flying Fijians meet Manu Samoa in their do-or-die clash.
Some 3000 Samoan rugby fans have turned out to see their team train in Auckland in the last public session before the players meet Fiji at Eden Park on Sunday.
The team was an hour late arriving at the Ponsonby Rugby Club but Radio New Zealand's reporter said that only gave the fans more time to warm up with songs and chants.
A large number of the crowd was schoolchildren who were draped in flags with their faces painted in the Samoan colours.
Some say they hoped their presence would be enough to lift the team to help it come back from last week's loss to Wales.
Others say tickets to the game were too expensive and this was their chance to see their team up close.
The match is a sellout as all 60,000 seats have been taken up already for the huge Pacific clash.
Fiji will play Samoa on Sunday at 2.30pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station, Viti FM with the voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from former Wallaby and former Fiji player and 2007 RWC coach, Ilivasi Tabua.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Hopes for Lewaravu to recover for Wales test
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