SUVA HAVE DEPTH: NADRO
■ Rewa in Nadi to finalise preps for Saturday’s Skipper/ Farebrother showdown Bai wastes no time in getting Tailevu ready for the Namosi clash
The Esala Nauga-coached Nadroga side are wary of defending champions Skipper Cup Premiership champion Suva.
The provincial giants clash in the opening round at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Saturday.
Nadroga team manager Semi Cabenalotu said yesterday the Stallions needed to be at their utmost best. He said the Nadroga rugby side have stepped up their training knowing that most of the Suva players have departed for work commitments mostly in the disciplined forces. They are prop Penijamini Makutu, Paula Dranisinukula and centre John Stewart and the retirement of former captain Isireli Ledua.
“Suva is Suva and they are a champion for the last three years,” he said. “It is true they have some players departing due to work commitments but they have back-up and depth in their pool of reserves.”
Reflecting on last season’s performance; fitness was something the Nadroga team lacked.
A former Stallions himself, Cabenalotu knows a win against Suva will boost and set the pace for the Stallions in the 2021 season.
Nadroga last won the Skipper Cup title in 2017. The Stallions take on the Ram Sami Suva side at 3pm.
Bai Giving Back To Tailevu
Former Flying Fijians pivot Seremaia Bai is ready to prove his worth as coach on provincial level.
Born and bred at Vunimono, Nausori started his playing career at Lelean Memorial School and played for Tailevu, the Flying Fijians and top clubs like Leicester Tigers and Castres in Europe.
A Level Three accredited coach, Bai is ready to give back to his adopted province when Tailevu host Namosi at Nakelo District School ground on Saturday.
Bai has been involved in the development of young players for his Rugby Academy.
More recently his Eastern Saints made an impact in Super Sevens Series and a young Tailevu outfit should represent the province this year.
Rewa Out To Spoil Party In Nadi
Rugby fans in Nadi want The Jets to keep the Farebrother–Sullivan Trophy for their sake. Rugby boosted the economy of the district whenever the coveted silverware was being played at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.
But first the real test comes on Saturday when they face an untested Rewa outfit who are already in Nadi acclimatizing and primed for the occasion. The change in training venue by Ro Alifereti Doviverata-coached side means Rugby Saturday in Nadi is really serious business.