Warners Park gets a taste of international rugby tomorrow (kick off 3pm) when Croatia play Southend in a warm-up for their World Cup qualifiers with Denmark and Spain.

And the newly-crowned London League champions are not just going out to be cannon fodder for a team on a tour arranged by Darko Luger, father of England star Dan and a leading rugby official in his homeland.

Dan Luger and international team-mate Will Greenwood, along with All Black legend Zinzan Brooke, have helped the Croats prepare for their tour.

"We are resting a few weary legs but are fielding our strongest possible side," said Southend skipper James Shearing.

"We can't afford to win the league one week and then lose 50-0 through not taking the game seriously."

At noon tomorrow, Southend under-17s take on a touring Wootten Bassett side from Wiltshire.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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