Suva Ready for winless Macuata

The FMF Suva rugby team is not underestimating the Macuata side despite their three consecutive losses in the Skipper Cup competition.

Macuata lost to Nadroga, 39-18 in their Skipper Cup opener followed by the 20-11 defeat by Nadi and the 31-16 loss to Lautoka on their home ground at Subrail Park. 

The Babasiga men will be hosted by the capital city side in their Skipper Cup (Round 4) clash on Saturday.

Suva team manager Ulaiasi Butukoro said yesterday they have been reflecting on their performance during the two-week break. 

“We are gradually building trust in our systems and processes as well as combinations and depth in the team,” he said. 

“We are expecting a strong Macuata side as they prefer a quick tempo game. We will focus on our work-ons from the game against Malolo and we expect a similar style of play from Macuata.” 

Suva has remained unbeaten so far. They defeated Ba 35-13 followed by the 35-25 and 27-18 wins against Lautoka and Malolo respectively.

“We are not underestimating any team in the competition. Ba defeated Tailevu at Burebasaga in the last round despite being at the bottom of the table after two rounds. 

“We have noticed the quality of matches so far in this year’s Skipper Cup which have been quite competitive. 

“It is also encouraging to see team’s promoted from the Vanua competition doing well in the Skipper Cup over the past few years indicating a growth in competition at both levels,” Butukoro added.

“It will be a good game against Macuata and we hope our fans here at home in the capital will be out in numbers for the game.”