Northland Keep Low Profile
Prove yourself, coach challenges players before they face Nadi on Saturday
The Northland rugby team are wary of the Jack’s Nadi side when they clash in the second round of the Skipper Premier at Prince Charles Park, Nadi
on Saturday.
Northland head coach Watisoni Ratulevu told SUNsports yesterday that Nadi are the team to beat after they trounced BLK Nadroga 40-18 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka during the first round of competition. “That win over Nadroga has indicated Nadi has stepped-up in their game structure this year and will be the team to beat, they have proved that in the first round,” he said.
“We have respect for Nadi and we’ll not take that game lightly and we know they will not give in easily playing on their home ground.” Northland earned their spot into the major union this year after playing in the Vodafone Vanua Championship last year. During the first round they upset Rewa 1612 at Burebasaga District School ground.
“We had lost our momentum but now we’re focusing on regrouping and lifting our game this year. “We have a new side this year with only five players from the previous season being retained. “The players are Kini Namoumou, Dan Ligairi, Lemeki Tuiyawa, Norani Vunakece and Alivereti Mocelutu.
“Many players have left the union this year for employment elsewhere and now we have new young players who have stepped in to fill in those vacant shoes but they know there is nothing new in rugby but only the laws.” Ratulevu highlighted that they have opted to keep a low profile and would do the rest of the talking on the field of play.
“I have told the players to put their heads down and show me their work rate,” he added.
The match kicks-off at 3pm.
ROUND 2 FIXTURES
Suva v Nadroga at ANZ Stadium, Suva, Nadi v Northland at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, Naitasiri v Rewa ar Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, Namosi v Tailevu at Thompson Park, Navua.