Even without inspirational captain, Sakiusa Nadruku, the Namosi rugby team have fielded their top players in today’s defence of the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy.

Nadruku had been guiding the team well from his No.8 position and was always in the thick of things when the going gets tough.

It is understood that Nadruku could be rested for the remaining challenge matches against Nadi and Suva.

Coach Asaeli Boko has retained core of the players that were part of their Skipper Cup/ Farebrother Sullivan Trophy campaign.

He has added more firepower in the backline with former Fiji Secondary Schools Under-18 rugby league winger Apenisa Ratukabu in the starting line-up while Fijian Warriors’ Tira Welagi is on the bench.

The combination of halfback Peni Matawalu and Alivereti Veitokani have been retained while the elusive Meli Nakarawa is at fullback.

Boko has kept the explosive centre partnership of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Onisa Ratave as his trumpcard.

However, the Yasawa Marlins will be no pushover.

This is the moment they had been waiting for and are confident of doing the impossible.

Here are three reasons why Namosi cannot afford to underestimate Yasawa today:

#1. GOT NOTHING TO LOSE BUT EVERYTHING TO GAIN

Winless and on their way out of the Skipper Cup, the Yasawa side have got nothing to lose in this challenge clash.

The Marlins are simply going out to give their best shot and upset Namosi’s plan.

We’ve got to remember their clash in the first round when Yasawa led 30-5 for most part of the match before Namosi came back to win 31-30.

If the Marlins get that kind of lead today, it’s going to be a different story altogether.

#2. NO KNOWN NAMES, UNKNOWN QUALITY

Just like Namosi, when the Skipper Cup comp started this year, there were no big names until they beat Nadroga to claim the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy.

Without the Fijian 7s players of Kalione Nasoko, Waisea Nacuqu, Rusiate Matai, Kitione Salawa and Napolioni Ratu, the Yasawa side are virtually going to field unknown players but however, they are seasoned rugby players.

They should keep Namosi guessing and could cause a lot of damages if given space to play their game.

#3. KEEP YOUR COOL, STAY CALM ALL THE TIME

Both teams have had their share of red and yellow cards during the competition. Discipline is going to be a key factor in today’s challenge clash.

Namosi have shown tremendous improvement when it comes to discipline especially during their last challenge matches against Lautoka and Nadroga.

They need to stay calm especially against Yasawa, who are also very passionate about rugby.

Surely a couple of big hits from both sides could see tempers flaring and cards being dished out.

The side that keeps their discipline are going to be the last one laughing.

The match kicks-off at 3pm.

LINE-UP

Namosi: 1. Aseri Robarobalevu, 2. Jone Naqiri, 3. Alifereti Rabaukawaqa, 4.Neori Racule, 5. Eparama Luvata, 6, Apakuki Vuaviri, 7. Akapusi Roqica, 8, Kelepi Naimasi (C), 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Alivereti Veitokani, 11. Lepani Raiyala, 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Onisi Ratave, 14. Apenisa Ratukabu, 15. Meli Nakarawa.

Reserves: 16. Manoa Mocelutu, 17. Lekima Banuve, 18. Peni Tupou, 19. Tomasi Sovilea, 20. Penijamini Kaumaitoga, 21. Aminiasi Natoga, 22. Tira Welagi, 23. Esala Nalobo.

Yasawa: 1. Sailosi Sekitoga, 2. Maikeli Sivo, 3. Tomasi Nawaqa, 4. Pita Vukimatana, 5. Manasa Vatanitawake, 6. Seru Momo, 7. Timoci Ratu, 8. Rusiate Waqa, 9. Filimoni Morawa, 10. Joseva Vetaukula, 11. Inia Rokomatu, 12. Jone Tanoa, 13. Eliki Naikusa, 14. Saimone Ratuisoa, 15. Tomasi Ralulu.

Reserves: 16. Esava Balenatabua, 17, Joave/ Lumelume, 18, Osea Sadrau/ Saimoni Boireguregu, 19. Vota, 20. Ovini, 21. Nacani Batina/ Tevita Volavola, 22. Taufa Baravi, 23. Ragone Nautoniyalo/ Josua Nagatalevu.

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