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Fiji Time: 7:22 AM on Wednesday 10 February

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Fijians focus on speed and strength

Friday, November 27, 2009

THE speed and strength of the backline will be the key to victory over Romania on Sunday, says Flying Fijians coach Glen Ella.

Ella has confidence in the young halves combination of Waisale Vatuvoka and Josh Matavesi.

"I'm very confident with this team, especially the young players. They have done pretty well at training and surely we'll win this game."

The former Wallaby said feeding the backline players was the main weapon to strike the bigger and tougher Romanian forwards.

Fiji's scrum struggled against Ireland last week. Ella said his forwards were giving everything at training to polish their moves before the final match.

"These forwards are working tirelessly at training. We know that Romania forwards will be big and tough and our forwards are prepared for that. We're working very hard with our front rowers.

"The only key to outplay them is to maintain possession. We'll definitely spread the ball out wide to outrun the big Romanian forwards."

Former rugby league star Semi Tadulala impressed Ella on his first training session on Wednesday.

Ella said Tadulala looked sharp at training and would definitely make his debut for the Flying Fijians.

"He is a very good player. He blended in very well with the backline and surely will earn his first game for Fiji this week. He is a very fast leaner and I'm happy with his performance."

The Apolosi Satala-captained side will try to find their mark in this final match. Fiji is yet to record their first win in this tour.

The side will be without overseas-based Nicky Little, Mosese Rauluni, Akapusi Qera, Seremaia Bai, Napolioni Nalaga and Ifereimi Rawaqa.

France-based Wame Lewaravu had his final fitness test to determine his lock position with Leone Nakarawa. Skipper Apolosi Satala is likely to pair Samu Bola on the side of the scrum while Asaeli Boko will be at number eight. Matavesi and Vatuvoka will form the halves combination.

End of story

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