Top teams ready for round 11 matches
Redemption time for Jetsetters
THE Nadi rugby team is bracing for a tough challenge against neighbours Lautoka in the lone Western Division derby in the 2020 Skipper Cup competition tomorrow.
“Preparation has stepped up for the team after our loss against Suva last week,” said team official Jeff Tamata.
“We know that we need a win to stand any chance of featuring in the play-offs and so does Lautoka. They beat us fair and square in the first round and we will be up against a good Lautoka outfit.
“It will be a clash of the neighbours and definitely we are taking the match against Lautoka seriously,” Tamata said.
“Our coaching staff have been working round-the-clock in moulding mostly the U19s, who have been together for the past two years. They are slowly maturing.
“It should be a very interesting clash, especially when two western teams play. In the history of the Skipper Cup, whenever two western teams lock horns, there will be fireworks.”
Tamata said there were some injury concerns in the team, however there was enough depth in the squad to cater for the losses.
“Some players took part in the Marist 7s last week and are nursing injuries. It’s not a concern since we have able replacements to fill the vacuum.”
Tamata called on Nadi fans to provide the much needed lung power tomorrow.
“This will be the only western derby this weekend and I humbly request all the western fans to turn up in numbers to support your respective teams.
“It will be an exciting clash.” The team has been in camp at Narewa Village since Monday and will be captained by young prop Veremalua Vugakoto.
The Ilai Derenalagi-coached Jack’s Nadi rugby team will play Lautoka on Saturday at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
Meanwhile, the curtain-raiser will be between the development sides of both the respective teams, RISING star Taniela Sadrugu is back to bolster Suva’s Skipper Cup clash against Tailevu at the ANZ Stadium today.
The Wailevu, Macuata warrior missed out on the Capital City side’s campaign for the past weeks against Nadroga and Nadi. He was part of the Marist 7s tournament last weekend. “Dan’s return is a boost for the side after he was away for the Marist 7s,” Suva manager Nemani Tuifagalele said.
“His inclusion will add more fire to the back of the scrum, and we can expect him to be at his usual self and be as damaging as always.
“We have noticed his 7s stint has added to his game and he has come back fitter and more physical, so we expect a good show from him against Tailevu tomorrow (today).”
Sadrugu was named in the flanker position and will wear his usual number seven jersey.
Suva is the defending champion and is leading the points table after 10 rounds with 39 points with four matches remaining. The feature match morrow will see Naitasiri, in second spot with 32 points, take on Nadroga which has 30 points in third spot.
Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy holder Namosi, which is in fourth position with 29 points, will defend the title against Yasawa and also host its Skipper Cup match in a double-header at the ANZ Stadium tomorrow.
In another game for tomorrow, Nadi will host Lautoka. Suva team: 1. Ananaia Rabonu- Covenant, 2. Lino Vasuinadi- Police, 3. Manasa Saulo- Navy, 4. Manoa Tamaya- Army, 5. Israel Azariah- Covenant, 6. Tui Cakacaka-Covenant, 7. Taniela Sadrugu- Nabua, 8. James Brown- Police, 9. Nemani Buliruarua- Covenant, 10. Enele Malele- Breakthrough, 11. Josefa Vurewa- QVSOB, 12. John Stewart- Army, 13. Jope Tikomailepanoni- Covenant, 14. Tevita Murimurivalu- QVSOB, 15. Jeke Suguturaga-Army. Reserves: 16. Emosi Saladuadua- Police, 17. Meli Tuni- Covenant, 18. Peni Makutu- Army, 19. Peni Tuiteci- Navy, 20. Lemeki Saulailai- QVSOB, 21. Jo Vesikara- Covenant, 22. Seru Vularika- Police, 23. Sireli Maqala- Nabua