Defending champions Malolo wary of determined Navosa challenge

Defending Skipper Cup champions Malolo know that they will be the targeted team in the competition. Today, they face Navosa in the third round of the Skipper Cup competition at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park.

Malolo is chasing for their third consecutive win, but head coach Rupeni Nasiga told SUNsports yesterday, they are not going to underestimate Navosa.

“Navosa is one of the new teams in this year’s Skipper competition and they are coming for a win, so we’ll treat this game as a final,” the former Flying Fijians lock said.

Nasiga said Malolo had worked on their mistakes from the competition opener against Taveuni and Rewa, particularly of their slow start and failure to utilise their scoring opportunities.

“We made a couple of errors from our games against Taveuni and Rewa.

“We have regrouped and reviewed all our mistakes from the last two games so we can get back on track,” he said.

“We did not capitalise on the chances we had to score points and had a number of knock-ons.

“I have also noticed that in every first half, we did not start well and were catching up in the second half.”

Nasiga said Malolo has put last year’s historic Skipper Cup win behind them as they focus on another demanding campaign.

The match kicks-off at 4pm.

Line-up:

Malolo- 1. Lemeki Lesu, 2. Sikeli Ukauka, 3. Sailosi Sauturaga, 4. Josaia Cokaibusa, 5. Netava Vukivuki, 6. Vilikesa Kurubolo, 7. Vereniki Kulaha, 8. Jiuta Biau, 9. Josaia Tagivetaua, 10. Viliame Nalolo, 11. Tomasi Tawake, 12. Erami Baca, 13. Jone Gaunavou, 14. Viliame Nasavuilagi, 15. Savenaca Batimala.

Reserves: 16. Amasa Tamanigaunavou, 17.Josevata Natoga, 18. Penaia Masikula, 19. Damanu Guwasa, 20. Viliame Nacika, 21. Simeli Karacia, 22. Joseva Tamata, 23. Esala Nalobo.