Attitude and discipline are the key words for INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy holders Naitasiri as they shifted their focus to next challengers Nadi.

This was after Northland took Naitasiri to the wire before bowing out 10-6 at Ratu Cakobau Park, this afternoon.

Speaking to SUNsports, Naitasiri coach Ilaitia Tuisese (Jnr) said there’s a lot to work on.

“We have two more challenges left and Northland exploited our weakness today,” he said.

“They came prepared and gave us a hard time. We had a slow start but we hung in there. There were lots of indiscipline during the game so we have to work hard on those areas. There are a lot of things to work on from next week, the boys need to change their attitude. We had to dig deep for the win and that paid off in the end.”
Tuisese said Nadi would come hard at them.

“They’ll (Nadi) prepare well for us so we will have to work hard. We will take the win today and focus on Nadi next week.”

What happened: Northland moved the ball around and caught the Naitasiri defence napping and were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute, which was converted by Jovilisi Taraka for a 3-0 lead.

Northland slowed the pace of the game and denied Naitasiri possession.

The Hillmen got a penalty in the 33rd minute and Kini Douglas kicked it over to level the scores at 3-3.

Naitasiri flanker Tomasi Naiduki was penalised for dangerous play and was yellow carded in the 36th minute.

Halftime: Naitasiri 3-3 Northland

Both teams started slowly with Naitasiri, a man down again after Marika Natau was yellow carded for foul play.

Naitasiri pressured the Northland line but could not score.

The Highlanders scored a try from a forward rush and it was claimed by lock Sitiveni Kaila in the 76th minute. Douglas added the extras, 10-3. Taraka narrowed the deficit 10-6 through a penalty in the 78th minute.

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