By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
Coach of the PNG Puma Energy Pukpuk Sevens, Billy Rapilla, has released a 16-man team list, in the lead up to the 2015 Pacific Games.
Following their impressive form in Hong Kong, it is incumbent the boys go one step further, and perform to exceptional standards in July.
The team that has been named is a mix of experienced and debutants, with David Eri named to make his comeback to professional rugby.
Arthur Clement, who was part of the team to travel to Hong Kong for the IRB World Sevens Series Circuit, says, the environment within the team has improved, and they are looking to use that to boost their performance in July.
Eugene Tokavai, Max Vali and Clints-Gerson Kut are of the fresher talent, while Hensley Peter has returned from injury, and David Eri makes his comeback.
Hubert Tseraha would be the strongest contender, to resume the captaincy role.
Although the games will provide the team with an overwhelming experiencing, the boys are looking to get much more out of that.
This will be a testimony to the change of culture that has taken place, since the departure of Fijian based coach.
While the team has proven to be one of PNG’s best sevens team in recent years, Arthur Clements says, they must improve on their fitness and defense, in order to beat their strongest rivals in the Pacific, Fiji, Samoa and Cook Islands.
The 16 member team:
- Arthur Clement
- David Eri
- Henry Kalua
- Tisa Kautu
- Clints-Gerson Kut
- Buttler Morris
- Hensley Peter
- Tim Rew
- Will Rew
- Stanis Susuve
- Leo Tikot
- Jordon Tkatchenco
- Eugene Tokavai
- Hubert Tseraha
- Max Vali
- Wesley Vali
https://youtube.com/watch?v=WYSvIQHBLLo%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
