Tailevu Rugby Union head into their Skipper Cup clash with Ba with renewed confidence, aiming to keep their winning run intact this Saturday at Burebasaga Ground in the third round of the competition.
Tailevu president Joe Rodan said the side is laser-focused on delivering another victory, noting that success not only wins games but also boosts sponsor interest and community support. “This week, we expect our players to come out strong and secure another victory,” Rodan stated. Reflecting on last week’s tight 27-22 win over Naitasiri, he added that Tailevu’s resurgence is obvious and that a big crowd is expected to back the men in green again.
The Tailevu squad, under the guidance of a six-man coaching panel led by Reverend Joji Rinakama, has been preparing intensely both on and off the field. The team moved into camp yesterday in Kaba Village, where locals will host the players until match day. Last week’s camp arrangement followed a similar host pattern, with Ovea Village hosting the squad, and nine more villages lined up to host Tailevu for the remainder of the Skipper Cup rounds. This community-centered approach underscores Tailevu’s broader philosophy of strong homegrown support fueling performance.
Beyond this weekend’s game, the broader Tailevu program is eyeing ambitious milestones. Background discussions around reclaiming the Farebrother Trophy—an achievement Tailevu last captured 18 years ago—have been part of their long-term plans, with Rodan highlighting the province’s backing and ongoing Sevusevu outreach to villages as part of a sustained push for 2025–2030 milestones.
In addition to Tailevu’s fixture, other Skipper Cup matches scheduled for Saturday include Vatukoula hosting Nadi, Malolo facing Suva at Yawini Park in Mana Island, Macuata taking on Lautoka in Macuata, and Naitasiri hosting Nadroga. The weekend’s lineup promises a showcase of Fiji’s rugby depth, with Tailevu aiming to ride the momentum of their recent result and crowd support into another valuable win.
Summary: Tailevu’s preparation, strong community backing, and a sense of momentum from the close win over Naitasiri position them well for a confident performance against Ba, with potential signs of a hopeful season ahead for the Tailevu region.
Additional note: The team’s approach—molding a tight coaching group, leveraging village-hosted camps, and maintaining a winning mindset—could serve as a blueprint for sustained success in the Skipper Cup this year. If Tailevu can translate last week’s resilience into consistent execution, they stand a good chance of climbing the standings and rekindling former provincial strengths.
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