Pukpuks name squad for HSBC rugby sevens series

By HUXLEY LOVAI
The PNG Pukpuks have named a sevens squad that will take part in the Sydney (Jan 26-28) and Hamilton (Feb 3-4) legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series.
The final 12-member team was selected after trial matches on Saturday at the Bava Park.
The team was announced by coach Douglas Guise, who told The National that he selected players based on their ability to adapt and understand the team’s playing style.
“Because we had the fitness block early in the morning, I was not looking at the fitness aspects of their game; just the understanding of our systems and structures,” he said.
“If we can stick to our systems and structures and play as a team we can really push forward with our game. I was looking for the players who understood this well and add to the team’s performance.”
Guise has included a couple of young players who are new to the national scene.
They are Isaac Aquila and Samu Malambes who made their debuts at the Oceania Championships, and Emil Latuminah who has come through the Turagu programme.
“He (Latuminah) has been impressive during training and topped that off with an impressive performance during the trial game. I wanted the boys to adapt to the way we play,” Guise said
PNG squad: Eugene Tokavai (Kavieng), Henry Kalua (Rabaul), Samu Malambes (Kavieng), Emil Latuminah (Rabaul), Himak Alu (Port Moresby), Patrick Tatut (Manus), Willie Tirang (Rabaul), Manu Guise (Port Moresby), Arthur Clement (Rabaul), Freddy Rova (Aroma), Gairo Kapana (Aroma), Isaac Aquila (Port Moresby). Shadows: Shallendra Birney, Dean Manale