Drua For Semis
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Kitione Taliga showed his class at first five eight when he played for Jack’s Nadi rugby side in their 27-22 win over Tailevu on Saturday.
Taliga and his Drua team-mates are definite starters for their respective provincial union teams in the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship semifinals on July 23.
Nadi hosts defending champions Ram Sami Suva at Prince Charles Park while INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy holders Nadroga travels to Nausori to play Naitasiri at Ratu Cakobau Park.
Speaking to SUNsports on Saturday, Suva team manager Nemani Tuifagalele said he was hopeful the Drua players would be available for the semifinal clash against Nadi.
The Capital City side fielded nippy halfback Leone Nawai in their 21-21 draw against Namosi at the Suva Grammar School grounds.
“Nadi is a classy side and during the season they had been playing some good rugby,” Tuifagalele said.
“I’m hoping some of our Drua players will be available when the semifinal week comes around.
“Leone Nawai played for us and was very instrumental in the last 15 minutes of the game.”
He said they are looking at the availability of centre Apisalome Vota, Tevita Ikanivere, Tuifagalele Sorovakatini, Mesulame Dolokoto, Meli Derenalagi, Manasa Saulo and Meli Tuni.
Derenalagi, Tuifagalele and Tuni are undergoing injury rehab
“If everything goes well, the paper work is good then fans will watch these boys play for Suva,” Tuifagalele said.
Nadi apart from Taliga is relying on the availability of openside flanker Vilive Miramira who is still recovering from an injury sustained during the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
“Having the Drua boys back in provincial rugby will add depth and bring a different dimension to the final weeks of the Skipper competition.”
Tuifagalele added that Nadi was a strong team.
“They are the Skipper points’ table leaders and will be strong at home.
“It’s unfortunate that we are not having a home semifinal.
“It is going to be tough but with good preparations anything can happen.”
Drua lock Chris Minimbi captained Naitasiri as they romped to a 36-5 win over Rewa at the Burebasaga ground.
Minimbi’s Drua team-mates of first five eight Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Frank Lomani are expected to start against the Stallions while tighthead prop Samuela Tawake is under injury cloud.
Nadroga who beat Northland 26-12 at Gatward Park, Korovou, are expected to be strengthened with the return of their Drua players of Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Nemani Nagusa, Ilaisa Droasese and Rusiate Nasove who made his debut for the Vodafone Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Seniors results: Suva 21-21 Namosi, Tailevu 22-27 Nadi, Northland 12-26 Nadroga, Rewa 5-36 Naitasiri.
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
