Do-or-die Ba ready for Macuata

The Vinod Patel Ba is gear­ing for a torrid encounter against Macuata in tomor­row’s Skipper Cup clash at All Saints Secondary School ground in Vulovi, Labasa.

Both teams need a bonus point win to stay away from the relega­tion zone. This was after the Fiji Rugby Union announced that the two bottom placed teams will auto­matically be relegated to the Vanua Championship.

Speaking to SUNsports on Wednes­day, Ba Rugby Union secretary Pas­tor Gaby Kautoga said this is an important game for them.

“We’re working hard to address our weaknesses from the last game (against Lautoka) and to improve before facing Macuata,” he said.

“The squad had a meeting on Mon­day to analyse their previous per­formance and focus on refining key areas before this crucial encounter.

“It will be a very tough game but we’ll push through with what we’ve been training for and try to secure a win.”

However, Kautoka said they have a few players nursing injuries from last week’s game against Lautoka.

“Nothing serious, the injured players are recovering well but overall our preparations have been on track.

“This trip is more than just a game- it’s about putting in the hard work and fighting for our place at the top. Every team wants to quali­fy for the Skipper Cup and we’re no different,” he said.

Kautoga is calling on all Ba rugby fans in Vanua Levu to show up in numbers on game day.

“We need our supporters at All Saints ground in Vanua Levu. Their (fans) energy will make a big difference to the boys,” Kautoga added.

The Under-20 match kicks-off at 1pm followed by the senior men’s at 3pm.