Highlanders Ready
Champions Namosi have brought in Cyril Reece, Asaeli Tuivuaka for Trophy defence
Reputation has no place in the selection of the Naitasiri rugby side that face Namosi in today’s Skipper Cup/ Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy double- header challenge at Thomson Park, Navua.
Naitasiri head coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr said despite fielding players who has never played in the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge but they know about the mammoth task that lies ahead of them.
“It will be a mixture of both experienced and young players as we have a rotation policy,” Tuisese said.
The no-nonsense coach indicated that they are not carried away with their record of past success.
“That’s history but it’s good to know history. But then it is the Farebrother, everybody goes there to win, it’s a big challenge for the boys,” Tuisese said.
“They (players) know the responsibility that comes with it. It’s a vanua based-team. “We will always come strong when it comes to the Farebrother challenge.”
Tuisese said they are wary of the big Namosi forwards who took Nadroga apart 15-8 last Saturday.
“We spent a lot of time on our set pieces, because we believe we have to set the platform for that,” he added.
Namosi have opted to keep a low profile. Coach Asaeli Boko has brought in Fijian Drua centre Cyril Reece in their starting line-up and named Fijian 7s utility Asaeli Tuivuaka on the reserve bench.
The clash kicks-off at 3pm.
Line-up Namosi;
1.
Atu
Maiono, 2.
Jone
Naqiri,
3. Alifereti Rabukawaqa, 4. Semi Baivi, 5. Eparama Luvata, 6. Apakuki Vuaviri, 7. Akapusi Roqica, 8. Sakiusa Nadruku, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Joseva Vunisa, 11. Lepani Raiyala. 12. Cyril Reece, 13. Kalaveti Ravouvou,
14. Asesela Ratudamu, 15. Esala Nalobo. Reserves: 16. Savirio Raiqisa, 17. Seru Cakobau, 18. Ilaitia Sela, 19. Tomasi Sovilea, 20. Kelepi Naimasi, 21. Netava Koroisau, 22. Alipate Waidilo, 23. Asaeli Tuivuaka.
Naitasiri: 1, Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Seremaia Nureure, 3. Solomone Navuso, 4. Chris Minibi, 5. Temo Raibevu, 6. Isikia Macu, 7. Tomasi Naiduki, 8. Sireli Kaloucava, 9. Jone Navuso, 10. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 11. Tomasi Vula, 12. Lepani Tuivanuavou, 13. Epeli Ratabacaca, 14. Seveci Nakailagi, 15, Kini Douglas.
Reserves: 16. Lemeki Tuyawa, 17. Josaia Qaduadua, 18. Imanueli Naciva, 19. Sailosi Ronatarotaro, 20. Maciu Vakacabeqoli, 21. Viliame Matai, 22. Livai Ikanikoda, 23. Vuate Karawalevu.