Hillmen Wary Of Winless Suva

INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy holders Naitasiri are wary of Suva who will travel to Naluwai on Saturday to challenge the country’s prestigious rugby ti­tle.

Suva, who are the defending Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship champions suffered two consecu­tive losses in the competition.

However, the Capital City side have been fielding their develop­ment players like Paul Dolokoto and Rusiate Vakalutugone while resting their senior reps.

The last time Suva beat Naita­siri for the Farebrother Trophy in Naluwai was in October 10, 1998. Maestro Waisale Serevi starred in Suva’s 24-14 win.

After their 22-20 loss to Tailevu, last Saturday, Suva team manager Nemani Tuifagalele said: “We will regroup and see where we need to catch up. There were some laxity in the second half which cost us the game. We not undermining any team. It is anybody’s game. If you prepare well, the ball bounces on your way- you can win.”

Suva will be captained by veteran No.8 James Brown who will be as­sisted by former Naitasiri lock Temo Raibevu, Mateo Qolisese, Ko­linio Tamanitoakula, Misaele Pet­ero and Meli Kurisaru.

Naitasiri head coach Ilaitia Tu­isese (Jnr) said they need to focus on their discipline.

Naitasiri flanker Tomasi Naiduki copped a red card for a punching incident in their 29-27 win over Na­droga while Jone Vatukela and Ka­liova Mocetadra got yellow cards.

“In a big Farebrother Cup chal­lenge like this we can’t afford to be committing fouls and getting pun­ished,” Tuisese said.

The former Flying Fijian lock highlighted that they need to go back to the drawing board to pre­pare for Suva’s challenge.

“We will work on our weak areas during training. There are lots of areas that I and the coaching staff will need to work on.

“It is not easy to prepare the play­ers after a lapse of two to three years. For them to return and put a performance like such is amazing.

“I’m still proud of the players and the way they played.”

Tuisese said they have set high standards for their players.

“This is challenging for them and we have about 60 players in the squad. If they work hard and are able to put their hands up for se­lection than they will have to per­form,” he added.

Other Skipper matches for Satur­day, Nadroga host Nadi at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Namosi travel to Korovou to take on Northland at Gatward Park while the Tebara derby sees Tailevu play Rewa at the Burebasaga ground.

All the senior men’s matches kick off at 3pm.

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