Unions Fight For Top 8 Spot
FRU steps in to resolve issues on Skipper Cup fixtures, venues
The Northland Rugby team management has called the Fiji Rugby Union to reschedule their Skipper Cup clash against Malolo to Saturday instead of tomorrow.
Northland head coach Maciu Koroi told SUNsports yesterday that they are not in a position to field a team on Friday.
“This is because most of our players are working and therefore we need to play on Saturday,” he said.
Malolo manager Tevita Sadrata said they have given a proposal to FRU for the game to be staged on Saturday but at Lawaqa Park Ground Two since two matches cannot be staged at one ground. Defending champions Nadroga are taking on Suva at the main Lawaqa Park ground.
Koroi said they deserve to be treated fairly as the other bigger teams like Nadroga and Suva.
“We do not want to play in ground two. We have been preparing well and we are ready to give a good fight but we need to be treated just like any other bigger teams. This year our target is to reach the semi finals so the tempo of our preparation is really high and we will maintain it that way.” Koroi said they would be testing their pool of players in all the rounds of the competition.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said they would confirm today after they hold discussions with all parties.
Sadrata said despite all the happenings their players have been preparing well.
“We are looking forward to a good game against Northland and we will do most of our talking on the field,” he added.
Rinakama warns, watch Lautoka
Naitasiri head coach Reverend Jioji Rinakama is expecting a torrid encounter against Lautoka.
“Lautoka is an unpredictable team and they always come out with surprises,” he said.
“In previous years we have seen them losing in most rounds but always come out firing at the end causing upsets. So we are aware of that and we respect them.”
Rinakama said their players have been training in full force as they fight for a spot on the run on team.
The Naitasiri and Lautoka game was scheduled to be played at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori tomorrow but Naitasiri manager Waisea Luveniyali said a confirmation on the venue would be made today.
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