Macuata to cut down on aimless kicking
“We must ensure our kicks reach a certain distance to allow us to defend well and push our opponents back into their own half,” Bainimarama said.
Friday 12 April 2024 | 11:15
Macuata coach has turned the focus to an effective kicking plan in a must-win clash against Ba in the Skipper Clash on Saturday. Photo: Sampras Anand
An effective kicking plan is the focus of the Macuata rugby senior men’s team in their must-win Skipper Cup clash against hosts Ba at Vinod Patel Park tomorrow.
The Northerners know the quality execution of their plan will set the platform right.
Macuata coach Voreqe Bainimarama told SUNsports yesterday that he had stressed to the players the importance to relieve pressure inside their defensive half.
“The clearance kick must be effective,” he said.
Last Saturday against Naitasiri, Macuata failed to do that, which led to Naitasiri taking advantage of the situation to score a couple of tries.
Bainimarama said the responsibility is on their kickers.
He said sevens rugby is a different ball game while fifteens rugby requires timely kicks to relieve pressure.
“We must ensure our kicks reach a certain distance to allow us to defend well and push our opponents back into their own half,” Bainimarama said.
“Good distance kicks can help our side to plan ways to attack inside the opposition’s half.”
Bainimarama said players must be fit to execute those long clearance kicks.
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“Injuries are common when unfit players try to execute long clearance kicks. Our kickers are good, but, each player must give our kicker room and the right angle to execute those clearance kicks.”
Macuata Rugby Union vice-president Jioji Vuakaca, said their attacks can improve with effective clearance kicks.
He said they were yet to win an away game this year.
The match kicks-off at 3pm.
Line-up: 1. Tomasi Baleitotoya, 2 Vatemo Rokodugu, 3 Simione Kalou, 4 Serupepeli Kaususu, 5 Paula Bukavece (captain), 6 Mosese Mena, 7 Mika Rabuli, 8 Viliame Lomaloma, 9 William Ryland, 10 Jone Vatuwaliwali, 11 Viliame Kotoilakeba, 12 Waisea Vocea, 13 Peni Ravula, 14 Pauliasi Rawasoi, 15 Sekope Aka.
Reserves: 16 Maika Tukoli, 17 Kalivati Tuitoga, 18 Emosi Bukaisoqosoqo, 19 Seru Vusoniceva, 20 Emosi Rakari, 21 Petero Vucu, 22 Vereti Naruku, 23 Lote Tuidravu.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
