Tailevu Coach Calls On Province For Support
Tailevu rugby coach, Samisoni Baikeitoga, is calling on their province to back them up after their 22-20 upset win over Ram Sami Suva in the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, last Saturday.
Speaking to SUNsports, Baikeitoga said they fielded six new players and that included livewire hooker, Seva Rokotuinaceva, who scored one of their tries.
Tailevu were down 13-3 at halftime but fought back to win.
“I told them (players) to work smart,” Baikeitoga said of his halftime pep talk.
“We noticed the Suva forwards were lazy to turn around and that was what we capitalised on as we went on to beat them.”
The no-nonsense coach said they needed to win to gain the support of the province.
“Tailevu has been losing and we want to prove to the people that this is their team, which they should be proud of.
“And secondly we were playing against Suva, where they have a good development programme.
“It’s all about the mind game. We had to discipline ourselves and do the hard yards.
“We will try to maintain this team and work on our systems especially on decision making,” he added.
Tailevu Rugby over the years has produced many of our top players like Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Timoci Naqusa, Inoke Male, Waisiki Masirewa, Meli Tamanitoakula, Jone Kaila, Apenisa Sassen, James Vuli, Epeli Ruivadra, Lemeki Koroi, Tevita Vodo, Alipate Naqaya, Jonacani Eranavanua, Sunia Sevu, Lance Whippy, Seremaia Bai and the list goes on.
This Saturday, Tailevu travel to Burebasaga District School ground to take on Rewa at 3pm.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy challenge between holders Naitasiri and Suva in Naluwai.
Suva who are the defending Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship champions have remained winless as they head into the third round.
However, the Capital City side are expected to be strengthened with the return of veteran No.8 and captain James Brown and full-back Enele Malele
He will be assisted by prop Mateo Qolisese, winger Misaele Petero and first five eight Jone Manu.
For the Hillmen, the only concern will be on their discipline after Tomasi Naiduki copped a red card for a punching incident.
He is expected to miss the Suva clash.
Feedbacks: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
