Jetsetters desperate to restore lost glory

Despite losing his Olympic Games gold medal national rugby sevens forward Masivesi Dakuwaqa is part of the Nadi rugby training squad to take on Nadroga in the HFC Bank Farebrother Trophy challenge on Saturday.

Dakuwaqa trained with the team at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday as they prepare to end the 2016 season on a high note.

The Jack’s of Fiji sponsored Nadi rugby manager Jeff Tamata told SUNsports that challenging the prestigious Farebrother Trophy gives them the opportunity to redeem themselves.

“This year we did not make the top four and the next game for us is to redeem ourselves and restore lost glory,” Tamata said.

“Nadi is one team that is always looking forward to the Farebrother Trophy challenge. It is the pinnacle moment or the highlight of our rugby year. Nadroga know this is going to be one of their toughest matches and our team is ready and this is a game not to be missed as we are going in as an underdog.”

Tamata said they have started their preparation a few weeks ago.

“After we did not make the semi-final of the Skipper Cup we had put in place a few structures that we needed to work on. Like every year Nadi looks forward to the Farebrother game, since we have prepared well. It is going to be a good match, hopefully come Saturday the system we put in place bears fruits.”

Nadroga escaped with a narrow 26-23 win over Nadi in last year’s Farebrother Trophy challenge.

“Physically we are ready for them. Right now it is all mind games. Our trainers and advisers have been working on our mind preparation as the physical part is already set. There was a system we put in place for Skipper Cup, and it failed so we have regrouped and put in place another strategy and programme, which will be uprooted on Saturday.

“Right now we have not named our team. A few of the new boys in the squad can make it in the final team, they will be chosen either on Thursday or Friday.”

The match will be played at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Saturday at 2pm. Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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