Injury rules Ivamere Nabura out of Super W final

An ankle injury has ruled out utility back Ivamere Nabura in Saturday’s Super W grand-final at Govind Park, Ba.

The McDonald’s Fiji Drua rep got injured during training last week. She will also miss out on the Vodafone Fijiana XV squad for next month’s Tests series against South Africa.

Drua head coach Mike Legge said while losing the experienced back was disappointing, the team remained confident in its depth ahead of Saturday’s title decide.

“Iva was ruled out for an indefinite period, which is sad for her,” Legge said.

“But again, we’re going in with a full-strength side that we believe is going to deliver us a championship, and that’s where we are at the moment.”

Legge said managing players during the closing stages of the season had been a challenge, with both teams nursing bumps and bruises heading into the final.

“It’s the grand finale. Both teams are managing bodies, so we’re no different,” he said.

“But we’re going to be at full strength when we roll out on Saturday. Managing bodies at this time of the year is a challenge, but it is what it is.

“That’s footy, and again, we’re going to roll out our strongest team.”

The no-nonsense coach is also counting on a vocal home crowd to help inspire the side as they chase for their third Super W title win.

“Obviously the fans played a big part last weekend in Lautoka. It’s hugely important. A packed-out Ba is going to make it really uncomfortable for the Waratahs, and that’s what we want.

“We want our fans to come out in numbers, come out in force and continue to lift the girls, especially during those tough periods in the game.

“The crowd plays a massive part in bringing them back up to the level you need them.”

The grand-final kicks-off at 1.05pm.