Underdogs Nadroga Travel To Naluwai
Nadroga travel to Naluwai to face Naitasiri in this Saturday’s second round of the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship where the INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy will also be at stake.
Holders Naitasiri successfully defended the country’s prestigious rugby title by beating Namosi 20-5 at the same venue, last Saturday.
Despite the win, Naitasiri head coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr stressed to his players that discipline is a key component when it comes to the Farebrother Trophy challenge.
Four Naitasiri players copped the yellow card against Namosi.
On a brighter note, the Highlanders roped in former Nadroga flanker, Jone Navori, who played well against Namosi.
Navori’s defence and ability to win possession from the breakdown went well for Naitasiri.
Nadroga who also won their season opener 29-14 against Tailevu have opted to keep a low profile.
The Stallions are being led by veteran No.8 Eremasi Radrodro.
Their newly appointed head coach Etonia Naba, blooded eight new players and is expected to include a few former reps this weekend.
“We will work on these young players and iron out those mistakes before our next game (against Naitasiri),” Naba said.
The former national 7s forward indicated that they gave game time to their new players so they could gauge their performance.
Impressive among the debutants was former Fijian Under-20 first five eight, Jack Volavola, who scored a try and kicked over several conversions.
It is understood that French coach, Franck Boivert, is behind the team and they are expected to play running rugby against Naitasiri.
Nadi host Northland
The Jack’s Nadi rugby team start as favourites against the much-improved Northland side when they meet at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, on Saturday.
Nadi upset defending Skipper champions Suva 20-12 at the ANZ Stadium while Northland beat Rewa 13-10 at Gatward Park in Korovou.
Nadi team manager Epeli Qoro said, they need to work on their weaknesses from the Suva game before they take on Northland.
Northland is coached by former Fijian 7s star utility player Isake Katonibau and they have several players from the High Performance Unit.
Northland prop Immanuel Naciva leads a forward rush against Rewa at Gatward Park, Korovou, Tailevu North, on March 19, 2022. Northland won 13-10. Photo: Leon Lord.
Win crucial for Namosi, Rewa
Namosi players need to work on their fitness and discipline if they are to contain a spirited Rewa side at Thomson Park, Navua, on Saturday.
Rewa dominated the second half of their clash against Northland and almost pull off a win.
A win is crucial for either team as they don’t want to be relegated next season.
Ram Sami Suva first five eight Jone Manu dives over to score a try against Jack’s Nadi at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on March 19, 2022. Nadi won 20-12. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Veitokani for Tailevu?
Tailevu are expected to field former Flying Fijians first five-eight Alivereti Veitokani against Suva.
Veitokani is currently under injury rehab.
Tailevu coach Samisoni Bai said they have got a young side and they need to address their mistakes before the Suva game.
Suva are currently on the rebuilding stage and are looking for a win to boost their chances of challenging the Farebrother Trophy, if Naitasiri retain the title against Nadroga.
The defending Skipper champions lost a number of their top players to the Swire Shipping Fijians Drua while others have secured contracts with overseas clubs.
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