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Cook Islander leads Force
Indra Singh
Thursday, January 21, 2010
WESTERN Force have named experienced Cook Islands sevens rep Koiatu Koiatu as its skipper for the Digicel Suva International 7s starting at the tfl National Stadium today.
The youthful Super 14 franchise is the only team from Australia taking part at the three-day tournament.
Coach Dwayne Nestor said they chose KK, as Koiatu is commonly known for his expertise in the code.
"KK has heaps of experience having played at the IRB series for Cook Islands and he is ideal to lead the team," Nestor said.
He said the side had held four sessions together and the teams was a mixture of young and experienced.
"There are a couple of experienced guys like KK and there are also a number of new players," he said.
"However, we have a few players from the Force academy and contracted players with the franchise."
Nestor said their pool with Army, Police and USA would be tough and the Force was here to learn more about the code.
"This is the first ever venture into sevens by the Emirates Western Force and with the Olympic Games up, we want to acclimatise better to the game."
The Aussies were happy with the opening in Suva yesterday afternoon and Nestor said some of the younger players had never experienced such atmosphere.
Force: Conrad Gillingham, Justin Turner, Flip Manu, Stefano Hunt, Luke Jones, Dion Berryman, Ben Hales, Zane Houia, Koiatu Koiatu, Dave Kara, Kyle Godwin, Ted Postal
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=138001