Maroons Target Top Four Spots
“If we want to play in the Farebrother then we have to win this game (against Nadroga). This huge challenge has motivated the players since we’ve been reminding them throughout the week.”
Thursday 25 April 2024 | 11:36
Lautoka rugby players having a team talk at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, on April 20, 2024. Photo: Josua Buredua
The Lautoka rugby team has set its sights on participating in the INKK Mobile Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge after they’ve maintained a fifth place standing on the Skipper Cup points table.
This was the gist of Lautoka head coach Peniona Ranitu’s interview with SUNsports yesterday.
“I reminded the players that the challenge is to get into the top four (spots) so that we can play in the Farebrother challenge, which is the pinnacle for rugby players in Fiji,” Ranitu said.
“If we want to play in the Farebrother then we have to win this game (against Nadroga). This huge challenge has motivated the players since we’ve been reminding them throughout the week.”
Ranitu said his team has prepared to take whatever Nadroga would dish out on them
“We have that mentally and we can win the game. Also we respect Nadroga and it’s going to be a good battle,” he said.
“No team trains for a loss so we’re going to train and try to come away with something good after the game on Saturday.”
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Ranitu said three of his players have suffered injuries from their game against Tailevu.
“We have a good squad because we have back-up players who can play in the same position as those who are injured,” he said.
“We have the availability of some Fijian Drua players so we’ll leave some room for them so that they can also have a run this weekend.”
Ranitu said his players need to have the confidence to play 80-minute rugby.
“We’re trying to get some more impact players so they can lift the tempo of the game especially in the dying minutes,” he said.
“We have a good forward pack. Last week we stole most of Tailevu’s lineout throws due to the jumping capabilities of our tall locks.”
Ranitu said they would try to contest Nadroga’s lineouts and scrums.
“We have also adopted spiritual values into the team. The players are banned from drinking alcohol which has been our strength in this year’s campaign.
“We’ll just work on our strength to try and counter the skills level that they (Nadroga) have.”
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
