Naitasiri vs Nadroga set for high-stakes Farebrother/Skipper Cup double header in Nausori
Naitasiri Rugby senior men’s team manager Penaia Naqase said, “We always respect our naita from Nadroga,” as his side prepares for a heavyweight round three double header in Nausori. He added that his team will “give them a good game this Saturday,” and that they are aware the clash will be very tough, but time will tell after the game.
Today’s fixture pits the defending Farebrother Trophy champions against the defending Skipper Cup champions, promising an intense afternoon in Nausori. Naqase said the squad has reviewed their recent performances against Malolo and Tailevu, aiming to tighten up as they chase a definitive win. “Our preparation this week involved going through the two games we’ve already played, against Malolo and Tailevu,” he noted, adding that the team has likely improved and will give their best effort.
There are personnel changes ahead of the match, including Motikiai Murray’s absence due to national duties with the Fiji Water Flying Fijians for the Pacific Nations Cup. The coach emphasised strengthening the defence and maintaining discipline on the field. He also called on supporters to turn out in numbers to back the team.
Naitasiri’s recent results show a 22-27 loss to Tailevu in round two and a 39-13 win over Malolo in round one. Nadroga, meanwhile, have been in solid form, with a 17-16 victory over Vatukoula and a 39-18 win against Macuata in recent outings.
Today’s match kicks off at 3pm in Nausori.
Fijian Summary
Naitasiri kei Nadroga era sa vakarau dau qito vuni ena dua na siga levu ena Nausori. O Penaia Naqase, na ituvatuva ni timi, a tukuna: “Keitou dau vakavinavinakataka na neitou naita mai Nadroga.” E tukuna talega ni na dua na qito levu vei keitou, ka na vakavinakataka na neitou defensi kei na discipline. Ni sa voleka na qito, e vakadeitaki ni Motikiai Murray e sega tale ni curu vei na matai ni national duties. Na qito ena qai caka ena 3pm na ikosivi na Nausori. Nadroga era curu talega mai kei na nodra vakacacana ena loma ni kalasi, ina gauna sa oti na nodra 17-16 kei 39-18 mai na macuata kei vatukoula. Na Naitasiri era vakayagataka na nodra vakadewataka na itukutuku me balavu na qito oqo.
Additional notes and context
– This is a marquee clash: Naitasiri hold the Farebrother Trophy, Nadroga are the Skipper Cup champions, making the double header a showcase of Fiji’s premier club rugby.
– The team has made lineup adjustments, and the absence of Motikiai Murray will be felt as they balance club duty with international duties.
– Focus areas for Naitasiri include defence structure and on-field discipline, following recent rounds where results have been variable but the team remains in the title contention mix.
– Nadroga’s form entering the game has been solid with close-margin wins in recent weeks, signaling a challenging test for Naitasiri.
– A strong supporter turnout is hoped for to create the expected electric atmosphere in Nausori.
Negative sentiment check: None
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