The QAQA Naitasiri Highlanders will need to play the game’s fundamentals right in round six of the Skipper Cup Premiership against Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on Saturday.

Naitasiri failed to score against Suva last Friday losing 6-15 at the ANZ Stadium. Head coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr said they learned a lot from the capital city side.

“Suva really pressured us forcing us to make a lot of mistakes. We had a plan set out but our execution was poor and we couldn’t build enough pressure turning over a lot of possessions,” he said.

“All in all, we learned a lot from that game knowing where we are now and what we need to do and move on. Against Tailevu we need to do the fundamentals right and be perfect in our execution.”

Despite two losses, Tuisese is confident with his young side.

Young players like fullback Vuate Karawalevu, Chris Minimbi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and sevens squad member Anasa Qaranivalu have been great so far.

“These boys are playing beyond expectations and that’s kudos to our coaching staff as you are all aware of the make-up of our playing roster and the players that we have introduced to the competition so far,” he said.

“This team is a work in progress. Tailevu is a vanua- based team just like us, with a strong support base. This is a local derby, for sure we will fighting for bragging rights as this is a home game for both teams.”

Naitasiri will face Tailevu at 3pm in Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

on Saturday at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

Edited by Osea Bola

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