Naitasiri rugby head coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr opted to use an experienced and specialist locks in this afternoon’s Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship semi-final clash against Nadroga at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

Tuisese named Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Chris Minimbi partner San Diego Legions Jale Railala while hooker Jone Vatukela was named in the starting line-up.

Vatukela who usually starts from the bench got the nod to start because of his superb lineout throws.

Minimbi and Railala are expected to give Nadroga locks of Orisi Navavau and Josaia Cokoibusa a good run for their money in the lineouts and scrums.

“Remember your families, fans and the people of Naitasiri when you put on that jersey on,” Naitasiri rugby manager Maciu Koroiqaqa told the players.

These words were reiterated by senior players of Joeli Veitayaki, Kini Douglas and captain, Sireli Kaloucava as they reminded the players of the importance of today’s semifinal.

“Everything is the same with Naitasiri rugby when it comes to preparations,” Koroiqaqa said.

“There is nothing new, we were in the same position in 2020 where we played Nadroga in the semi-final.

“This is a new Nadroga side, they will be hard to beat because they are a champion side, they might be a young team but they are not new to rugby.

“They are the new Farebrother Trophy holders, playing at Ratu Cakobau Park, is also nothing new for this young Nadroga team.

“It’s been two years now and we are into the semis so we have to play as a team. There has been a lot of challenges this season in terms of monetary assistance for the team.

“Money doesn’t matter for us, we are going to play for the vanua and the people of Naitasiri.

“We have defended the Farebrother Trophy six weeks straight.

“These boys have been playing throughout this season so there is no excuse, we will value this kind of achievement and take things one at a time.”

Koroiqaqa added that discipline would be very important in this encounter.

“The boys know about winning set-pieces, having a cool head and discipline will be very vital against Nadroga,” he said.

“Everything will be monitored by the referee, from tackling to back chatting so there is no room for indiscipline in the game”

The match kicks off at 3pm.

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