Matawalu optimistic
‘It’s not over until it’s over’
With another busy week going past in rugby union last weekend, Fiji Times Sports takes look at the main talking point with Tiko Matawalu how Nadroga performed in its last games against Naitasiri.
FTS: You had a totally different lineup last week and despite the loss the young side played accordingly. Is there hope of building these young Stallions to complete the season for the union?
TM: The line-up was almost similar to the one we had against Tailevu earlier (before Naitasiri) and is a mixture of young and some senior players. The weekly line-up is selected from players the coaching staff believe will commit themselves to the call. Yes, it is highly likely going to be the one that will finish the season for us.
FTS: The team has a few injuries with old players such as Ulaiasi Lewavou,
Apete Salawaqavuka, Rupeni Nasiga, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Joeli Lutumailagi, Emosi Vucago, Ratunaisa Navuma ... and then a discipline issue after the citing of players in Sailosi Dawai and Manueli Ratuniyarawa who have been sanctioned for two and three weeks respectively.
TM: Its an opportune time for the new blood to showcase their worth and who knows they could be the answer to the inconsistency this season.
FTS: After last week’s match the Naitasiri coach and some supporters were impressed with the way the Nadroga team played. Is this part of Nadro’s development?
TM: We cannot say much on the performance of that game because of the unplayable ground condition which does not really showcase what both teams prepared for. It was in fact anybody’s game. It could have gone either way. We were denied two clear tries by the referee because of inconsistent TMO calls of which the screen was nowhere on the ground. And their try was questionable if we take a closer look at the video footage which could have been called for through the TMO.
On the other hand we are also happy with our new players who were able to give the hosts a good run for their money in their comfort zone. Naitasiri is a rugby powerhouse too and to put a game of that nature in the wet condition are the positives that we can take back home.
FTS: You have three important games left that could see you claim a home semi-final, what are some areas you are looking to improve on.
TM: Our focus now is to take each game as it comes. We will be up against three teams that are desperate for wins. Nadi is fighting its way to earn a semifinal spot while Lautoka and Yasawa are fighting to remain in the Major Division. It’s not going to be any easier for us. We are, therefore looking at patching up the loopholes exposed in our five losses this season. Two of these five losses were very crucial in the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge matches.
FTS: Some of your supporters have lost hope for the team but some still believe you can accomplish something this year … from the management side, what would be your advice to the Nadro supporters.
TM: We are going through our transitional phase and that is normal in life. We need to understand that the life cycle is taking its course and the best we can do is to collect ourselves, regroup, press the reset button and move forward together.
Our theme for the rest of the season is “it’s not over until it’s over”.
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