Tailevu women set sights on top eight

The Tailevu women’s rugby team is focused on securing a top-eight spot in the Marama Championship competition.

This was the gist of head coach Mereoni Yabakidrau’s comments to SUNsports after a dominant 55-5 win over Nadroga at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori last weekend.

“I thank God for the victory, and I thank the players for their efforts as the hard work paid off,” she said.

“This win is also a contribution from the coaching panel, who bring out the best in these players.”

Yabakidrau said they will also need to improve their lineouts and breakdowns when they face Nadi this week.

“Every game is a final for us,” she said.

“The players executed what was taught in training well in the match against Nadroga.”

Yabakidrau acknowledged their supporters and sponsors for their massive support.

Nadroga women’s head coach Sailamisa Nagata said they had learnt a lot from their loss to Tailevu.

“It was an uphill battle, and we’ll go back to the drawing board and see what we’ll do for the next game against Macuata,” he said.

“We know we have a lot of work to do in our defence and our attack, converting it into points.”

Nagata added that his players will need to address their discipline issues.

“It was an intense game, and a few of our girls were giving away penalties,” he said.

“I told the players after the match to stick together as a team and work together even though we were down by a player.”

Nagata was impressed with his young players who came on as replacements for the injured experienced players.

“We are so blessed to have players who have played for the Fijiana Drua and Fijiana 7s squad to come in and teach these young ones who are trying to achieve the same pathway,” he said.

“They teach them about working hard and discipline.”

Nagata acknowledged the parents and guardians of these young players who released them to play for their provincial team.