Suva targets Skipper Cup, Farebrother double

The Suva Rugby Union (SRU) has set its sights on winning both the Skipper Cup and the Farebrother Trophy this season.

Team manager Ulaiasi Butukoro told SUNsports yesterday, the team’s ambition was clear but acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“We know it won’t be easy because every team will be preparing well and no side can be underestimated,” Butukoro said.

Today, FMF Suva hosts Vinod Patel Ba side in the Skipper Cup opener at Bidesi Park and this year’s competition saw the introduction of four more teams.

Butukoro said this would make the tournament more competitive.

He reiterated that their immediate focus is to beat Ba at home.

“Right now, our only focus is Ba. They are a strong vanua-based side, and we expect a tough contest. We want to start well, control the tempo and begin our campaign with a good performance.”

Suva enters the new season after completing a 16-week preseason programme and its club competition.

Butukoro thanked the SRU’s chairman and executive committee for supporting the team’s preparations.

“We’ve built a good balance of experienced players and emerging talent. Some of the younger players have progressed through our Suva Under-20 programme, Fiji Under-20 and the High Performance Unit. We have also assembled an extended squad to provide depth and help manage injuries throughout the season.”

Butukoro said the squad was in high spirits following a team-bonding session last weekend.

“The boys are excited and looking forward to the opener. To our fans and the Suva rugby family, please come out in numbers and support the boys against Ba.”

Today’s fixtures

• 11am FMF Suva women v New World Ba women
• 1pm FMF Suva U20 v Fiji Pine Ba U20
• 3pm FMF Suva v Ba

Team lists

Suva: 1. Isileli Fa (vice-captain), 2, Mikaele Delana, 3. Isikeli Lumelume, 4. Nadidi Tagiselala, 5. Amani Ratuniyarawa, 6. Mosese Naiova (captain), 7. Josua Gonewai, 8. Samuela Vakalua, 9. Jovilisi Tabaka, 10. Sakiusa Siqila, 11. Brandon Suan, 12. Toko Tupou, 13. Rusiate Baleitamavua, 14. Onisimo Nawalu, 15. Ponipate Tuberi.

Reserves: 16. Iosefo Manaseitava, 17. John Filipo, 18. Jone Buadromo, 19. Malakai Masi, 20. Joseva Daunawaqe, 21. Samuela Kunadei, 22. Sekove Aka, 23. Mosese Nokelala.

Ba: 1. Sekove Tuvakaikoya, 2. Peniasi Sokia, 3. Allen Osborne, 4. Waisea Senimoli, 5. Saimone Tagitagivalu (captain), 6. Sakiusa Tuwai, 7. Peni Nasova, 8. Sireli Qauqau, 9. William Ryland, 10. Joseva Nokelevu, 11. Solo Druku, 12. Valami Kunavue, 13. Panapasa Nalatu, 14. Josateki Vale, 15. Tevita Nailati.

Reserves: 16. Gideon Cagimaivei, 17. Emosi Kautoga, 18. Jordon Mamao, 19. Josefa Roiroi, 20. Arimela Noa, 21. Gabby Naliva, 22. Bruce Sautulevu, 23. Viliame Cama.