Naitasiri’s target

CHRIS Namimbi and Samuela Tawake’s absence in the final round of the Skipper Cup competition match should not be an excuse, says coach Dr Ilaitia Tuisese Jr.

He said that was why the side had a pool of players where they could select from.

Against Tailevu last week the side lost one scrum from eight of its throw-ins, won all its 11 lineouts and contested two of Tailevu’s but the handling errors, turnovers and the tight defence of the opposition cost the second-placed side in the overall points standings.

Captain Sireli Kaloucava and veteran hooker Seremaia Naureure were sin-binned for foul plays.

The highlanders will face the islanders from Yasawa on Saturday.

“We have players who are available for selection and the onus is on them to turn up to play and win us the game,” Tuisese Jr said.

The side lost to Tailevu 24-19 at Nakelo District School in Tailevu last Saturday but the Naitasiri mentor said they were looking forward to the match this week.

“We definitely going in to the last match with a to win and which will boost our preparation for the semi-final clash,” he said.

He said the side would look into the errors committed in last week’s game.

The side did a notable change last week with Lawai, Nadroga speedster Kaliova Mocetadra moved to the centre from his usual wing position.

When the game was tight during the second half, Naitasiri introduced replacement fullback Vuate Karawalevu in place of Etonia Rokotuisawa but the Tailevu defence counted him well and Tuisese Jr said they would work towards this weekend’s game.

“We have a good coaching team who will map out a game plan that will suit us in the last game,” he said.

“We have to work on our mistakes and make sure that the players are in their right state of mind come Saturday.”

Meanwhile, in other Skipper Cup matches, Suva takes on Namosi today at 3pm.

Naitasiri plays Yasawa at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori while Nadroga and Lautoka fgaced off at Lawaqa Park last night.