How to Beat Kadavu? Macuata Coach Tells
The Cakaudrove women’s rugby play team must play a tight game and keep the ball among their forwards, if they are to stand a chance of beating Kadavu in the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup final at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on Saturday.
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | 12:45
Macuata women’s rugby team at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on April 26, 2024. Photo: Macuata Rugby
The Cakaudrove women’s rugby play team must play a tight game and keep the ball among their forwards, if they are to stand a chance of beating Kadavu in the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup final at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on Saturday.
This is the view of Macuata women’s rugby coach Motu Lalagavesi after they were beaten 40-18 by Kadavu in their semifinal clash last Friday.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Lalagavesi said Kadavu opts to play open-style rugby.
“Every time they (Kadavu) get the ball they quickly throw it out wide to their wingers who are very powerful runners,” she said.
“They (Kadavu) front rows are their biggest players and the rest are smaller in size so that is why they have adopted running rugby. It is where their strength lies.”
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and Kadavu Rugby Union president Lynda Tabuya presents a gift pack to the players at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on April 26, 2024. Photo: Kadavu Rugby
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalTeaCompleteSatisfaction
Lalagavesi said the Cakaudrove women’s side must keep the ball among their forwards and take control of the game.
“Cakaudrove must adopt the ‘stand in your face’ defence against Kadavu. This should be done to their wingers so that they are not given room to run.”
Lalagavesi said their mistake was giving the two Kadavu wingers room to run and when in full flight they were hard to take down.
Tabuya support boosts Macuata
Meanwhile, Lalagavesi was grateful for the $200 support given to the team by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and Kadavu Rugby Union president Lynda Tabuya.
“The money she (Tabuya) gave was highly appreciated by the girls especially for the struggles we had to go through to be at Lawaqa Park,” she said.
“The Minister is my cousin through her maternal link to Nagasauva while I’m from Wainika in Saqani, Cakaudrove.
“Getting the much-needed support is something most women rugby teams like us don’t get.
“The money assisted us to put together a little BBQ as our token of appreciation to the girls for their performance throughout the season and now the focus is on 2025.”
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
