Trask confident ahead of Fiji clash

BARBARIAN TRASK: Rotorua Boys' High School student Kaleb Trask is eager to face a challenging Fiji Schools team. PHOTO/FILE.

Patience is key to a New Zealand Barbarians Schools rugby victory over a powerful Fiji Schools team, according to local player Kaleb Trask.

The Rotorua Boys' High School student is expected to be named in the starting line-up for the New Zealand Barbarians Schools side in their crunch clash against Fiji Schools in Auckland tomorrow. Trask, 17, said he was feeling confident after playing first-five in the Barbarians' 28-17 win over Australian Schools on Monday but was wary of a "very physical" Fiji team.

"I did my job and I am feeling good," he said.

"Fiji will certainly be a challenge but we have learnt a lot from our last win.

"We know that we are very strong in the set piece and our back attack, so we should take advantage of this.

"Given the chance I need to lead the team around well and we have to be prepared for a big and powerful side.

"That means we have to be patient and wear them down."

Trask, in his final year of study, also highlighted that Fiji could pose a dangerous threat in their forward line.

"We expect them to try and dominate in that area," he said.

"So we need to break up that play and stop them spreading the ball out wide because their offload is also strong."

Trask, who is involved with the New Zealand Barbarians Schools for the first time, said he had so far enjoyed his experience and learnt "valuable lessons" for the future.

"I am taking it all in, and it has been a steep learning curve with the squad," he said.

"You can already see in a week how much our squad has progressed.

"I'm delighted to have this opportunity and experience and it will only help my rugby
development."

The full New Zealand and Barbarian Schools squads will be announced tomorrow morning.

New Zealand Barbarians Schools will take on Fiji Schools at Auckland Grammar School, kick-off 1.10pm, whilst New Zealand Schools play Australia Schools at the same venue at 2.50pm.

New Zealand Schools and Barbarian Schools fixtures:

Monday , October 3
NZ Barbarians Schools 28 Australia Schools 17
Venue: Mount Albert Grammar School

NZ Schools 45 Fiji Schools 19
Venue: Mount Albert Grammar School

Saturday, October 8
NZ Barbarians Schools v Fiji Schools
Venue: Auckland Grammar School
Time: 1.10pm

NZ Schools v Australia Schools
Venue: Auckland Grammar School
Time: 2.50pm