Naitasiri is determined to end a 15-year title drought in the Skipper Cup when they face off against Malolo on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Their last claim to the trophy was in 2010, when they narrowly defeated Nadroga. Since then, Naitasiri has reached the final four additional times—in 2012, 2014, 2020, and 2022—but has come up short on each occasion, with their latest defeat being a close 12-14 loss to Nadi in the 2022 final.
With the Farebrother Trophy already secured, the Naitasiri coaching staff is preparing their players for what they anticipate to be an intense matchup against a Malolo team that has earned the nickname “giant slayers” throughout the competition. Team manager Pena Qaia emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents, acknowledging Malolo’s impressive performance in the lead-up to the final.
“Right now, the message to the boys is to forget the Farebrother win from last week,” Qaia remarked. “We need to come back to reality and focus on what lies ahead, as this final is a showdown between the two best teams in the competition.” The team was recently challenged by Tailevu, but demonstrated remarkable resilience by rallying in the final quarter to secure a 31-26 victory, showcasing their experience and composure.
As Naitasiri prepares for the match scheduled for 3 PM, the excitement extends beyond the senior final, with an action-packed day of rugby lined up. Earlier in the day, Suva will take on Namosi for the Marama Championship title at 11 AM, followed by the Under-20 final where Naitasiri faces Nadi at 1 PM.
The culmination of these matches highlights the vibrant spirit of provincial rugby in Fiji, where fans can expect thrilling displays of skill and determination as local teams compete for glory. The atmosphere promises to be electric, fueled by the community’s unwavering support. With both teams eager to prove themselves, the Naitasiri versus Malolo final is set to be a memorable event in Fijian rugby history.
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