Macuata Rugby to Retain Skipper Spot

The Macuata Rugby Union officials are working on increasing their pool of players to provide depth to the senior men’s team.

MRU vice-president Jioji Vuakaca said yesterday having a good base of players in the extended squad is very critical if they are to perform well at Skipper Cup level.

He said the club competition would give their coaching panel an opportunity to scout for talented players capable of representing the vanua.

“We need more forwards, backs, kickers and attacking players to strengthen the side. To have players with sufficient game time is important.”

The first round of club games was supposed to kick- off last Saturday but adverse weather conditions forced officials to postpone it.

The competition is played in the Super Premier and Premier divisions. For the first time the women club games will also be in the competition.

Vuakaca reiterated the MRU is on a mission to retain their Skipper Cup status and to perform consistently in the competition.

“Macuata Rugby is here to stay in the main division and we are excited about it,” he said.

The Macuata men’s interim coach, Voreqe Bainimarama, emphasised the need for the team to build on their set pieces for the duration of the season.

“We made a lot of mistakes in our set-piece,” he said.

Bainimarama said the foundation must be laid at the club level where players understand the importance of grasping an effective set-piece game.

“That is exit plays where clearance kicks from the danger zones remain an area of focus.”

Bainimarama said players at club level must grasp that clearance kick must be taken with intent and to put pressure on the opposition.

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