Former coaches return to map Nadroga's Skipper defence
"The aim is to improve their overall game management. In doing so, they are also seeking advice and support from former coaches and trainers to help sharpen their strategies," Waqavonovono said.
Thursday 25 September 2025 | 00:30
Cambridge Farms Nadroga No.10 turned halfback Jone Vatuwaliwali sets up play against Tailevu at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on September 20, 2025. Inset photo: Naitasiri second five eight Tevita Sa bola scores the winning try during the double header clash against Lautoka at Suva's HFC Bank Stadium on September 13, 2025.
Photos: Leon Lord
The recent loss to Malolo and Tailevu has fired-up the defending Skipper Cup champions Cambridge Farms Nadroga.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Nadroga Rugby Union president Jiuta Waqavonovono said the team is pushing hard with their sights set on making the quarterfinal, semi-final and final.
The Stallions comeback campaign starts on Saturday as they face the unbeaten FMF Suva side at the Suva Grammar School ground.
"Preparations have been going positive and well," Waqavonovono said.
"We are tightening the weak areas seen from the previous games."
On Tuesday, the Nadroga rugby side played a warm-up match against the Western Force (Police team). Also, assisting the team during training were former head coaches Esala Nauga and Aca Ratuva, along with strength and conditioning coach, Tikiko Namaua.
"The aim is to improve their overall game management. In doing so, they are also seeking advice and support from former coaches and trainers to help sharpen their strategies," Waqavonovono said.
The Nadroga backs found their mojo when Jone Vatuwaliwali came in as a substitute as they were trailing Tailevu 12-31.
The plucky No.9 sparked the Nadroga backline with his fast deliveries and ability to exploit the opposition defence as they ran in three unanswered tries only to fall short 31-29.
Waqavonovono said the team has already secured three wins in the last matches, with two more crucial games ahead (against Suva and Nadi) before going to the playoffs. Waqavonovono said he is confident that the team would turn things around from now on.
Naitasiri loses star centre
Meanwhile, Naitasiri will be defending the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy in their Skipper Cup double header against Vatukoula without their star second five-eighth Tevita Sabola.
The Ovalau native flew out of the country to join his club in France. Sabola scored two tries (including the winning try) in their 41-38 win against General Machinery Lautoka during their double-header clash early this month.
He has been Naitasiri's main stay during their double header wins over Malolo, Nadroga and Lautoka. Sabola had formed a formidable partnership with young Aisea Tuisese at centre. The 22-year-old was part of the Bordeaux Academy in France.
