The FMF Suva rugby side is not carried away with their 31-17 win over Nadroga in the Skipper Cup opener at Bidesi Park last Saturday.

Speaking to SUNsports after the match Suva captain, James Brown said although he was happy that they had started strongly but there is still a lot of work to be done.

“All the thanks go to the man above but it’s only the first game and there are lots of things that we need to clean up before the next game,” he said as Suva travels to the West this Saturday to play Yasawa in the second round.

Brown highlighted that it was not an easy game for them as they had to absorb early pressure after Nadroga scored two early tries.

“We started to play on our game and structure, which ended up working for us in the end,” he said.

“We challenged ourselves along with our defence and that gave us the momentum. We told ourselves if we want to win the game against Nadroga, we need to give our 100 per cent in defence to counter Nadroga’s attacking abilities.”

Nadroga scored the first try in the 4th minute through lock Aporosa Matakasa, which was converted by halfback Taitusi Lulusini.

The visitors extended their lead to 12-0 with a try to Kelevi Cavuduadua but the conversion by Peni Kadralevu was unsuccessful.

Suva replied with a try to Brown in the 24th minute, which was converted by Enele Malele. The Suva forwards dominated possession and took play into Nadroga’s 10 -metre line, which saw prop Inoke Ravuiwasa breaking away to score a try under the post with Malele landing the conversion to put Suva into the lead, 14-12, for the first time.

Suva came back strongly in the second half with a try to No.8 Nemani Nagusa with Malele converting it for a 21-12 lead. Malele converted a penalty kick in the 65th minute to further extend the lead to 24-12.

Nadroga scored a try in the 72th minute to fullback Anare Tuitai but Josefa Kuricuva missed the conversion to make it 24-17. Suva replied with a try to centre, Tira Wilagi, with Malele slotting the conversion for a 31-17 win.

“We need to thank our families and our supporters who are bearing ar with us as we build-up for our next game,” Brown said.

He said the Suva team had to send their condolences to the family of Livai Ikanikoda after his dad died early last week.

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