IRB PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

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Rauluni available for Australia A game

Wednesday 18th June 2008

Time out: Rauluni will enjoy some time with his family before heading back to England

Fijian skipper Mosese Rauluni has said he is available to play against Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup on June 28.

However he is not expected to play in the games against Japan and Tonga, due to ongoing family commitments.

"They asked me to come for the two home games against Samoa and the New Zealand Maori but I think they have the younger boys for the two remaining games," he told The Fijian Times.

"But if they need my services, I'll be there in Brisbane from next week."

Despite not being available for the clash against Japan this coming weekend Rauluni has warned his team-mates to expect a tough time.

Since John Kirwan took over Japan have become a better side, highlighted by their 35-13 victory over Tonga in the last round of fixtures.

"We definitely have to clean up our lineout and scrum as the coach has mentioned heaps of times in the local newspapers," he said.

"These two areas aren't too good. Japan are quite organised even though they play a different style of rugby and they're a team that's hard to beat."

Rauluni, who watched the Japanese victory, said Tonga were taken by surprise by the physicality of Japan, and that his side can expect the same this weekend.

"Japan will be out to avenge their loss at the World Cup and it's going to be a big game for us," he added.

His wife, Maile, arrived in Fiji with their five-month old daughter Isabella last Sunday and the family plans to head off to Treasure Island Resort on Thursday before flying out on Monday.

"I'm on a short break and have brought my daughter to Fiji for the first time and to see my grand-mother as we might not be back for another two years," he added.

"We'll then visit Maile's family in Australia before heading back to England on July 2.

"I'll be in Brisbane during Fiji's game against the Australia A side but will leave for England a day before the Tonga game."