A traditional ceremony of forgiveness was presented yesterday by the Nadroga Rugby Union, on behalf of the vanua o Nakuruvakarua, to the Naitasiri Provincial Council office.

It is understood the apology was over a bus stoning incident that occurred last year.

The bus carrying Naitasiri rugby fans were stoned by some villages along the Coral Coast. The fans were returning home after Naitasiri won the INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy from Nadi.

The apology was to clear any bad blood that existed among rugby fans in the two provinces before Naitasiri defend the country’s prestigious rugby title against the Stallions during the second round of the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship at the Naluwai ground yesterday, 26th March,2022.

Naitasiri head coach, Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr, had been stressing to his players the need to maintain their discipline when it came to defending the Farebrother Trophy.

The Highlanders maintained the halves combination of Anasa Raqili and veteran utility back Kini Douglas at No.10, while ace goal-kicker Etonia Rokotuisawa is at fullback.

A confident Nadroga coach Etonia Naba is confident that they will maintain their consistency by executing their structure well.

“We’ve ironed out the mistakes we had noticed from our first game,” he said.

Nadroga will be captained by veteran loose forward Eremasi Radrodro, supported by Manueli Ratuniyarawa and hooker Ratunaisa Navuma.

It is expected rookie first five-eighth Jack Volavola could get a run after a sterling performance against Tailevu.

Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter was impressed with the Nadroga side for moving the ball around and creating space for their team-mates.

Meanwhile, Tailevu head coach Samisoni Bai is adamant that they would surprise Suva in today’s clash at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori. Tailevu lost to Nadroga 29-14 while defending champions Suva went down 20-12 to Nadi.

“It was a good lesson we have learnt in that last match especially from mistakes committed,” he said.

“From our mistakes, Nadroga managed to score tries. We have learned that and will be fired up against Suva.”

Bai said they were developing a young side, with a few old hands of Timoci Vunimoku, Joseph Elisha, Sailosi Taka and Peniasi Ravuadolo.

“Message to the fans is to rally behind the team and we will surprise Suva,” he added.

Other matches, Rewa travel to Thomson Park, Navua, to play Namosi while Nadi host Northland at Prince Charles Park.

All senior men’s matches started at 3pm