'Time is not on our side’- Coach tells

Skipper Select head coach Rupeni Nasiga is hoping that his side will test the Fijian Drua men’s team when they face-off on February 6 at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

However, time is not on their side as they await green light for players to march into camp.

With a month to go for the historic pre-season clash, members of the 30-men squad have been doing individual training.

“We were supposed to march into camp last week but could not, we are still waiting approval for that,” the winning Skipper Cup coach said yesterday.

“It’s a huge task for me and I’m honoured to do it. I thank Fiji Rugby Union for trusting me.

“This is not an adornment for me but I have a job to showcase the capability of these Skipper Cup players.

“We want to train well, we can’t march in for just a few days and play the Drua who have been doing a great off-season.

“My expectation is for them train hard and give Drua a good game.”

Naitasiri headlines the Skipper selection with eight players; seven Suva players are in the squad while Malolo and Nadroga has six and five players, respectively.

Tailevu, Macuata, Lautoka and Ba have a lone team member on the side.

30-member squad:

Loose Head props: Aisake Atani (Nadroga), Nedley Grant (Nadroga). Hookers: Seremaia Komailevuka (Naitasiri), Joeli Nainoce (Suva). Tight head props: Inoke Ravuiwasa (Suva), Josefa Nasaroa (Suva). Locks: Micahel Ferei (Naitasiri), Nadidi Taginiselala (Suva), Isaia Lotawa (Ba), Marika Natau (Naitasiri). Flankers: Maikeli Matanisiga (Nadroga), Isaia Rugu (Malolo), Sakiusa Vosayaco (Nadroga), Ro Kaveni Seru (Naitasiri). No.8: Ravuama Tuimacou (Macuata), Aminiasi Natuiyaga (Malolo). Halfbacks: Napolioni Batimala (Naitasiri), Meli Buinimasi (Nadroga). First five eight: Etonia Rokotuisawa (Naitasiri), Anare Tabakaucoro (Tailevu). Wingers: Iliesa Bete (Naitasiri), Onisimo Nawalu (Suva), Sakarai Soqonakalou (Naitasiri), Tomasi Tawake (Malolo). Second five eight: Apimeleki Nasalo (Lautoka), Joseva Tamata (Malolo). Centre: Sevuloni Lutu (Suva), Esala Nalobo (Malolo). Fullback: Douglas Daveta (Malolo), Ponipate Tuberi (Suva).

Management:

Head coach: Rupeni Nasiga (Malolo), Forwards coach: Timoci Tinaviti (Naitasiri), Backs coach: Jiuta Lutumailagi (Malolo), Manager: Kausheel Prasad (Naitasiri), Assistant manager: Jeff Tamata (Nadi), Support manager: Semi Cabenalotu (Malolo), Lead Strength and conditioning (SNC): Saiasi Moceica (Naitasiri), SNC programme support: Tevita Molisodrau (HPU), Tikiko Namaua (HPU), Analyst: Soko Tabualevu (HPU), Physio: HPU

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