The Nadroga rugby team are going through a transitional phase as they look to build-up their combination for today’s clash against Yasawa at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday manager Semi Cabenalotu said they were slowly developing their young players.

“Nadroga rugby is going through a transitional phase and that is normal for life,” Cabenalotu said.

“We need to understand that a life cycle is taking its course, and the best we can do is to collect ourselves, regroup, press the reset button and move forward together.

“We have three important games left that could claim a home semi-final for us.

“Our focus now is to take each game as it comes. We will be up against three teams that are desperate for wins.”

Cabenalotu said playing Yasawa was not easy because they were fighting to remain in the Skipper Cup competition.

He confirmed a few of their players had niggling injuries.

The Stallions are expected to field veteran players like Ulaiasi Lawavou, Apete Salawaqavuka, Rupeni Nahiga, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Joeli Lutumailagi, Emosi Vucago and Ratunaisa Navuma.

“Three of our players are away for national duties and we are therefore looking at patching up the loop holes exposed in our five losses this season.

“Two of these five losses were the crucial Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge matches.

“It’s an opportune time for our new blood to showcase their worth for the white jumper and who knows they could be the answer to our inconsistency this season.

“We had a totally different line-up against Naitasiri and despite the narrow loss, the young side played accordingly.

“The line-up was almost similar to the one we had against Tailevu and it is a mixture of young and some senior players.

“The coaching staff are selecting players who they believe will commit themselves to the call.

“Yes it is highly likely going to be the ones that will finish the season for us.”

Cabenalotu has urged Nadroga fans to continue showing their support to the young team.

“Some of our supporters have lost hope, but some still believe we can accomplish something this year,” he said

“Now we are in a rebuilding phase so everything we do now will reflect for the greater good of Nadroga rugby in the future.”

“Keep believing in the team please we still have the Skipper Cup in sight and it is only your prayers and support that will help us achieve our aim.”

“Please we need your suppport and co-orperation during this time”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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