Macuata eyes first away Skipper win
The Macuata rugby senior men’s rugby team is targeting to win their first away win in the Skipper Cup competition. The Northerners face Yasawa, this Saturday, at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3pm.
The closest they have come to securing a win was in their 12-12 draw against Namosi in their earlier round clash.
Macuata Rugby Union president, Saimone Cabealawa said the team has been camping in Ba for two weeks preparing for the Ba and Yasawa games.
Cabealawa said their players were mentally, spritually and physically preparing for the Yasawa clash.
“Making right choices on attack whether to go for a try or take points from penalty goals to build the lead has been emphasised to the players,” he said.
Macuata lost to Ba 32-21 last Saturday and it will be another uphill battle against Yasawa who last Saturday recorded their first win when they beat Lautoka 17-11.
Cabealawa said they know the importance of the last two remaining games with Yasawa this weekend and Tailevu a week later at home.
“We want to improve on our points standing and remain in the Skipper Cup next year.”
Daily training continues for the side with Macuata fans based in Ba providing them extra motivation.
When approached on progress made since the first round, Cabealawa, said they noted significant improvement in players’ understanding of the required match intensity at Skipper Cup level.
“We have a pool of players we utilise in each game and rotate our line-up to give every player especially non-experienced players time to adapt to the style of play.”
Fitness is the golden motto of the side with players chosen each week determined on their fitness levels.
“So far, so good, our fitness levels are up there as required,” he said.
Cabealawa spoke highly of Macuata halfback, Jone Vatuwaliwali. The former Ratu Kadavulevu School star No.9 has been the mainstay of their campaign.
“His experience and exposure is surely helping the side this season with our attacking plays,” he said.
Cabealawa added that despite winning against Yasawa in last year’s Skipper Cup clash in Labasa, they are still cautious of them.