General Machinery Lautoka rugby team before their Skipper Cup opener at Churchill Park on August 2, 2025. The Maroons are confident of upsetting FMF Suva in today’s Skipper Cup clash at Bidesi Park at 3pm.
Photo: FRU
Family will be the driving force for the General Machinery Lautoka rugby side when they take on hosts and Skipper Cup runners-up FMF Suva at Bidesi Park today.
This was the gist of Lautoka Rugby Union (LRU) secretary Seta Rakoto’s interview with SUNsports yesterday.
He said after narrowly losing their Skipper Cup opener against Nadi, they are definitely gunning for a win against Suva.
“We are playing for our fans and vanua, most importantly our family,” he said.
“We have been preparing for so many weeks, and the motivation is to take the win back home to our families.”
Rakoto indicated that it would be an uphill battle when they take on Suva in their backyard.
“They (Suva) are a provincial powerhouse, but the boys know they are coming for the win,” he said.
“We are hopeful for a great game with a favourable result at the sound of the final whistle.”
Rakoto said that the lack of possession and unsuccessful penalty conversion led to their narrow 15–17 loss to Nadi last weekend.
“We are looking to improve our lack of possession and penalty conversions,” he said.
“We respect our opponents. we’ll give our best and whatever the outcome is, we’re there to enjoy a good game of rugby.”
Seta Rakoto
“Suva is a very experienced team with experienced players dominating at provincial level.”
Rakoto said his team would be wary of the strong Suva forward that dominated in the scrums in their 33–13 win against Ba last week.
“We had seven debutants last week as we have a very young team. We have a lot of young guns coming up,” he said.
“We have five debutants that will be playing this weekend, so they are local boys from the club games.”
Lautoka will be without the services of their Fijian Drua players, Rakoto added.
“We respect our opponents. we’ll give our best and whatever the outcome is, we’re there to enjoy a good game of rugby,” he said.
“We are requesting the Lautoka rugby fans in Suva to come out in numbers at Bidesi Park.”
The match kicks-off at 3pm.
Meanwhile, the Maharaj Pools and Gardens Lautoka women’s side faces their big test today when they take on defending Marama champions Suva at 11am at Bidesi Park.
MEN’S LINE-UP
Suva: 1. Isileli Fa (vice-captain), 2. Kolinio Bulabalavu, 3. Joseva Naisaroa, 4. Nadidi Tagiselala, 5. Apolosi Tora, 6. Josateki Seru, 7. Saimoni Seruvatu, 8. Mosese Naiova (captain), 9. Terio Tamani, 10. Ponipate Tuberi, 11. Onisimo Nawalu, 12. Levani Kurumudu (vice-captain), 13. Sevuloni Lutu, 14. Sakiusa Nareki, 15. Waisake Ravuiwasa.
Reserves: 16. Sireli Narawa, 17. Mataiasi Tuiisireli, 18. Inoke Ravuiwasa, 19. Keni Namosimalua, 20. Viliame Rasau, 21. Jioji Vusoniyasi, 22. Sakiusa Siqila, 23. Tira Wilagi.
Lautoka: 1. Alipate Toko, 2. Leausa Baleilevuka, 3. Sireli Guivalu, 4. Viliame Senileba, 5. Filifai Tuidraki, 6. Savenaca Raturaga, 7. Paulo Nabuto, 8. Apakuki Vuaviri, 9. Eliki Nadriva, 10. Sunia Talebula, 11. Rusiate Matai, 12. Eliki Naikusa, 13. Nacanieli Vulo, 14. Akuila Dranivotua, 15. Manoa Qerea.
Reserves: 16. Alipate Bulamaibau, 17. Josefa Radrodro, 18. Seru Masi, 19. Tomasi Sovilea, 20. Ron Kurulase, 21. Kelemete Katudrau, 22. Apimeleki Nasalo, 23. Vatiliai Turuva.
WOMEN’S LINE-UP
Lautoka: 1. Kesaia Lawedrau, 2. Vasiti Vuiyale, 3. Lanieta Baleiono, 4. Salaseini Katonivere, 5. Litia Radaveta, 6. Lanieta Tania, 7. Elenoa Manini (captain), 8. Ana Nawaqasara, 9. Torika Elizabeth, 10. Verenaisi Lagilagi, 11. Eseta Mahanga, 12. Ateca Ranitu, 13. Joanna Matea. 14. Avolonia Lewaiwaca, 15. Vasiti Barbara.
Reserves: 16. Ana Ratini, 17. Vani Navure, 18. Bulou Ulamila, 19. Lanieta Marama, 20. Miriama Marama, 21. Makelesi Tamoi, 22. Tarusila Voliwa, 23. Unaisi Natarova.
