Macuata aim to bounce back

Macuata thrashed Rewa 29-10 in Round 1 but was defeated by Bua 27-10 in Round 2 of the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup championship

Macuata women aim to bounce back from their loss to Bua with a powerful performance against Cakaudrove in Round 3 of the Ranadi Cup this weekend at Ratu Ganilau Park, Savusavu.

The side had defeated Rewa 29-10 in their opening game but were thrashed 27-10 in round 2.

Coach, Motu Lalagavesi, said the defeat last week taught them valuable lessons; they need to step up their performance.

Lalagavesi said flanker Emily Tukaniya and lock Viniana Tuibua will miss this weekend’s game because of injuries.

“Our preparations have been going well, we have to improve on vital set-piece plays, lineouts, scrums, ball control and ball handling,” Lalagavesi said.

Lalagavesi said their forwards will have to quickly adjust and step up their mark by dominating their opponents by retaining ball possession in their phase plays.

“Physically, we have to be strong to compete in the rucks and maintain attacking line well,” she reiterated.

The former Fijiana rep said players had been told the importance of defending well and keeping the missed tackles count low.

“We have to ensure that our players are not offside and not to be in front of the kicker during restarts; we must eliminate simple errors,” she mentioned.

Lalagavesi indicated that their wingers, centre and first five-eighth will lead by example today.

“I request all Macuata fans to come over to Savusavu and support the girls as we try to register our second win in the competition.