Tuskers to focus on defence

VANUATU Tuskers captain Andrew Kalsakau says he has a young side to guide through the Oceania Cup starting today.
“We’re a young team with new faces and we’re here to gain some experience and improve,” Kalsakau said.
The 33-year-old from Ifira Island who led the Tuskers in their last outing against the Pukpuks in 2009 said defence was a crucial part of their game plan in their first match against PNG.
Pukpuks won that match two years ago, 86-12.
“Last time basically just defence (let us down) so we’ll work on our defence and our tackling.
“This time we’ve got a new backline, a new five-eighth, so we’ll try a few new things and change it up a bit and our forwards will hold their own,” he said.
He said his side were expecting the Pukpuks to come out firing but the Tuskers had their own strengths to focus on.
“The Pukpuks have big forwards and big backs so they’ll come straight at us pretty much, so we’re going to have to tackle really well  – all day.
“But if we get the ball (possession) you’ll see us do something because we do have some fast backs,” he said.
New Tuskers coach Albert Nalpini, who was formerly a juniors coach, said Kalsakau was the most experienced player in the team and he would be looked on to lead from the front.
“We’re looking forward to gaining from his (Kalsakau) experience and all the boys will depend on his leadership,” Nalpini said.
He admitted he was unsure of what to expect from his side during the tournament but he was certain his team would benefit from playing against good opposition.
“We are looking forward to the game (against PNG) but really we are not expecting a lot.
“I haven’t seen the boys play against any of these other teams so whatever the outcome we are looking forward to that (experience),” he said.