Nadi, Suva set for Skipper final

To defend the Skipper Cup away from their homeground is the much-needed catalyst in Jack’s Nadi rugby team’s campaign.

With the prestigious INKK Farebrother Trophy already in the bag, the Cohen Politini-coached side will be out to end FMF Suva’s unbeaten run.

Nadi takes on Suva in tonight’s Skipper Cup grandfinal at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.

“It will be an uphill battle for Nadi,” said Fiji Rugby Union senior operations manager Jiko Matawalu.

“Playing away from their homeground and fans will be Nadi’s firepower in defending the Skipper Cup.”

Politini opted to use six forwards on the bench with two backs. This shows Nadi’s plan to take on the Suva forwards.

Matawalu confirmed that tonight’s finals would be free-of-charge and 4000 spectators will be allowed on the stadium.

“So it’s a first come first serve basis. The remaining spectators are invited to enjoy the finals from the cement and grass embankment.”

There will be a live band to entertain the fans, as well.

Band leader David Stevens said they are ready to entertain an anticipated packed stadium.

The gates open at 3pm with the Skipper Cup Under-20 final at 5pm followed by main final at 7pm.

LINE-UP:

Skipper U20 final

Wallson Chicken Naitasiri: 1. Samuela Sarasau, 2. Taniela Seruvatu, 3. Suliasi Nacolai, 4. Waisea Ronaivakula, 5. Sailosi Irinabulou, 6. Pita Vakalolo, 7. Semesa Tavadroka (captain), 8. Sailosi Torovi, 9. Peniasi Vakalu, 10. Anasa Korotini, 11. Josevata Kurutuba, 12. Isaac Ragigia, 13. Mosese Taramecegu, 14. Peceli Tagivetaua, 15. Saula Muriwaqa (v/c).

Subs: 16. Gideon Cagimaivei, 17. Peni Lawaka/ Eroni Sarasau, 18. Apenia Nasilasila, 19. Alipate Rokoua, 20. Penieli Nasorotabua, 21. Kaminieli Lutumailagi, 22. Emosi Daubitu, 23. Peceli Tuisese.

FMF Suva: 1. Caleb Levaci, 2. Joeli Nainoca, 3. Izreal Hesaie, 4. Tevita Batiweti, 5. Jope Kingdom, 6. Mataiasi Tuisireli, 7. Josua Gonewai, 8. Sowane Puamau, 9. Pauliasi Korobiau (v/c), 10. Ponipate Tuberi, 11. Mosese Nokelala, 12. Filimoni Mataitoga, 13. Isaac Rabaka, 14. Emosi Suguturaga, 15. Benjamin Naivalu.

Subs: 16. Iosefo Manaseitava, 17. Jioji Vatuniwai, 18. Waisale Francis, 19. Inia Tudrau, 20. Saimoni Qaranivalu, 21. Josaia Bola, 22. Silivenusi Toka, 23. Donald Maikoto.

Match officials: Referee- Paula Racaca, Assistant Referees- Maretino Koroivuki and Sakaraia Vasua, TMO- Jeremaia Veisa.

Skipper Cup Senior Men’s final

FMF Suva: 1. John Muller, 2. Lino Vasuinadi, 3. Josefa Naisaroa, 4. Sitiveni Kurivitu, 5. Apolosa Tora, 6. Isoa Tuwai, 7. Mosese Naiova, 8. James Brown (captain), 9. Teri Tamani, 10. Enele Malele (v/c), 11. Keponi Paul, 12. Watisoni Sevutia, 13. Epeli Misiamate, 14. Paul Dolokoto, 15. Inia Tawalo.

Subs: 16. Isireli Narawa, 17. Uraia Merekula, 18. Vilikesa Nairau, 19. Peni Tuiteci, 20. Ioane Ligatabu, 21. Livai Ikanikoda, 22. Sakiusa Siqila, 23, Iosefo Namoce.

Jack’s Nadi: 1. Livai Natave, 2. Maikeli Sivo, 3. Josua Bulivou, 4. Samuela Saqiwa, 5. Peni Naruma, 6. Jolame Luvelou, 7. Ilisoni Galala (captain), 8.Veniona Vuki, 9. Anasa Raqili, 10. Navitalai Tuilawa, 11. Sairusi Tanidrala, 12. Motuisela Tawake, 13. Josefa Namisi, 14. Jiutasa Lave, 15. Rafaele Tunidau.

Subs: 16. Peni Malumu, 17. Viliame Tui, 18. Tomasi Nawaqa, 19. Simione Nawai, 20. Meli Rokoua, 21. Semi Kunatani, 22. Orisi Erenavula, 23. Viliame Momo.

Match officials: Referee- Tevita Rokovereni, Assistant Referees- Kelemedi Naruma and Joeli Mualele, TMO- Jeremaia Veisa.

Story by: Leone Cabenatabua  - leonec@fijisun.com.fj