Suva targets crucial victory over Nadi to keep top-four hopes alive
Butukoro said the team had learned valuable lessons from last week's loss to BLK Nadroga.
Friday 14 August 2026 | 09:00
It is a must-win match for the FMF Suva rugby team when they host McDonald's Nadi in tonight's Skipper Cup clash at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
This was the view of Suva team manager Ulaiasi Butukoro during an interview with SUNsports yesterday.
"We are preparing for nothing else but a win in our first game at the National Stadium," he said.
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"The players know what is needed from them, and they need to lift their performance for a top-four spot."
Butukoro said the team had learned valuable lessons from last week's loss to BLK Nadroga.
"Nothing has changed in our preparation. We've been testing our new players in the past two rounds, and our experienced players have recovered from their injuries and are likely to return to play."
He said defence remained an area of concern.
"We need to improve our communication as well, especially in defence," he said.
"We have been adjusting our attack to implement the game plan set by our coaches."
Suva will be looking to halt Nadi's momentum.
"Our defensive errors caused a shift in momentum last week, and Nadroga exploited us. We have been talking about the need to control the game, as whoever dominates possession controls the game and, with solid defence, wins the match."
Butukoro encouraged Suva supporters to turn out in large numbers at the National Stadium.
"We told the players to believe in themselves, trust each other and the system in place. We hope the new players perform to the best of their ability so we rise to the top of the table."
Meanwhile, Worcester prop Livai Natave will start for Nadi. The former Fijian Drua prop represented the Flying Fijians in the inaugural Nations Championship in July.
The Suva team was yet to release its line-up when this edition went to press last night.
The match kicks off at 6pm.
Nadi line-up
Starting XV: 1. Livai Natave, 2. Peni Malumu, 3. Onisimo Sina, 4. Peni Naruma, 5. Jese Marovia, 6. Ebenezer Tuidraki, 7. Jonetani Suguturaga, 8. Veniona Vuki, 9. Anasa Raqila, 10. Anasa Tuilawa, 11. Mosese Raura, 12. Mesake Tuinamena, 13. Josefata Naivatu, 14. Etuate Qalibau, 15. Rafaele Tunidau.
Reserves: 16. Seremaia Komailevuka, 17. Isabel Rick, 18. Robin Billings, 19. Soko Viriviri, 20. Peni Vukivuki, 21. Mosese Tamani, 22. Solomoni Tavai, 23. Solomoni Sigatalele.
