Defending Farebrother Sullivan Trophy champions Nadroga are confident that they have the players to defend the country’s prestigious rugby title.

Laced with experience and three debutants the Stallions are set to take on defending Skipper Cup champions Suva, in their double-header clash at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka today.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu said the vanua o Nakuruvakadua has placed their hopes on the players.

“For the team to win we will have to give our 100 per cent as for now we have done our 90 percent,” Matawalu said.

“We are waiting for the 10 per cent when we enter the ground. It will be tough but the boys know how to defend what they hold close to their hearts, the Farebrother Trophy.

“The message to the boys is to have fun out there during the game and everything will come into place.

“Suva is a great side, full of talented players and we respect them. We look up to them but on the field there’s no love lost.”

Matawalu said the Match 23 players have the full support of the province and are counting on them (players) to deliver the desired result.

Meanwhile, Suva are to wear black armbands in today’s encounter to honour their former prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua, who died recently.

“It’s a sign of respect and all our three teams will be wearing the black armbands,” team manager Nemani Tufagalele said yesterday.

“We will play for his (Yalayalatabua) wife and children.”

“We don’t want to return empty-handed from Lawaqa. We want this trophy badly and we are going to fight hard for it.”

Last evening, the Tui Suva Ratu Sanaila Mudunavosa presented the jerseys to the players after their devotion at Albert Park.

The match kicks-off at 3.30pm.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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