Ba coach focuses on structure, discipline

The Vinod Patel Ba men’s rugby team will be looking to improve on their decision-making and discipline when they host Tailevu in the second round of the Skipper Cup clash at Govind Park on Saturday.

Ba Rugby Union secretary Gabby Kautoga told SUNsports yesterday that preparations had gone well ahead of the side’s first home game of the season.

“It’s our first home game, so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

“We need to improve our discipline as well because we received a few yellow cards against Suva last weekend.”

Kautoga said the players also needed to make smarter decisions on the field, particularly when it comes to penalty options.

“This is our third year in the Skipper Cup competition, and we’re still growing through the process,” he said.

“Even though we were defeated by Suva, for us it felt like a win because of the close margin and the four tries we scored.”

Kautoga said the team had been working hard at training to minimise the errors that proved costly against Suva.

“We have a really good forward pack and backline that execute the set-pieces well,” he said.

“Our head coach places a strong emphasis on structure, so the players are working to apply those structures, even during club games in the off-season.”

Kautoga said he was confident the team would deliver a strong performance against Tailevu.

“We’re continuing to improve and work hard for the Tailevu game because it’s our home match,” he said.

“We urge the Ba fans to come out in numbers, paint the stadium black and support the boys.”

Kautoga also revealed that Fiji men’s sevens players Iliavi Masori and Waisea Nacuqu are training with the squad.

“Fijian Drua player Joji Nasova has gone to Australia, but he’ll be back and will be available for selection next month,” he said.