Tailevu Rugby ready to face Ba in Skipper Cup showdown at Rewa
Tailevu Rugby Union will treat every game like a final as they prepare to host Ba in round three of the 2025 Skipper Cup, with a 3pm kickoff today at the Burebasaga District School ground in Rewa. After a comeback 27-22 win over Naitasiri in round two—their first victory of the season—Tailevu’s interim head coach Joji Rinakama stressed that the squad has remained focused and relentless in their preparations.
Following the Naitasiri win, Rinakama said the players have slipped into their game mode and are eagerly awaiting the Ba challenge. “The boys have been on par with their preparations all week; after the Naitasiri match, they’ve embraced the game mode and can’t wait to face Ba tomorrow,” he noted. “Our preparation is always tough, and we treat every game as a final.”
Ba arrive with momentum of their own to bounce back from a 33-43 loss to Malolo at Yawini Park last weekend. Rinakama praised his side’s readiness, saying the Tailevu players are focused on tightening defence and sharpening their attacking threats near the tryline as they prepare to meet Ba.
There are no injuries in Tailevu’s squad, leaving the team in peak physical condition for the home turf. The addition of Simione Kuruvoli, the Fijian Drua half-back, has boosted Tailevu’s skill set; Rinakama highlighted that Kuruvoli showed promising form in the Naitasiri match and is expected to contribute again against Ba. “It’s great to have Simi Kuruvoli in the team; he demonstrated high-level play against Naitasiri, and we’re hoping for another strong showing against Ba.”
A notable feature of Tailevu’s campaign is the strong local backbone of the squad. The majority of Tailevu players come from the local community, having progressed from Tailevu club games to the main team, underscoring a village-driven pathway to provincial competition. Tailevu has also been hosting players in village camps as part of a broader community program that supports ongoing development and fan engagement.
Fans and supporters are invited to come out in numbers to back Tailevu as they chase victory. An under-20 match between Tailevu and Ba will kick off at 11am ahead of the main clash.
What to watch
– How Ba’s forward pack responds to Tailevu’s relentless defence and pressure around the rucks and mauls.
– Tailevu’s ability to carry momentum from the Naitasiri win onto the road and pressure Ba’s set pieces.
– Key Tailevu players to monitor include Simi Kuruvoli, with his creative and decision-making abilities at half-back.
– Tailevu’s leadership and community-backed approach, which has underpinned their season so far and could prove pivotal in challenging for early-season position.
Contextual notes and broader picture
– Tailevu’s leadership under president Joe Rodan has emphasized village-hosted camps and Sevusevu outreach as part of a long-term push toward milestones like reclaiming the Farebrother Trophy, with strong community backing aiding development.
– Ba, who will rely on their forward unit to set a platform, will be aiming to register their first win of the season as they seek consistency after a tight early schedule.
– This weekend’s Skipper Cup program also features other notable fixtures, including Vatukoula vs Nadi, Malolo vs Suva, Macuata vs Lautoka, and Naitasiri vs Nadroga, highlighting Fiji’s deep rugby talent across regions.
Summary in Fijian
Vosa Vakaviti: Tailevu Rugby e sa lavuta me ra tiko vakadua ena qaqarauni ni qito kei Ba ena Skipper Cup ena 3pm na siga oqo e na Burebasaga Ground, Rewa. Ni a qia na waiwai 27-22 vei Naitasiri ena levu ni qito i vuavalagi, sa vakatataro na timi me ra vakadeitaka na nodra yavu ni veivakadonui. Simi Kuruvoli na Drua e tu vakarau me vukea na timi, ka vakaraitaka na nona kaukauwa ena qito i Naitasiri. E sega ni dua na leqa ni mate kei na droka ni timi, au sa vakabibitaka talega na nodrau vanua ni vanua: NA iNaki ni Tailevu e vakabauti ira na levu ni vanua ka ra curu mai na qito ni qito ni itaitamata me ra bulia tiko na veiliuli ni vanua. Na nodra U20 ena Tailevu kei Ba ena 11am e na vakaitikotiko ni qito oqo. Sa qai vakamacalataki tale ga na noda vuli: Tailevu e lai tu vakasivia na noda gauna ena valenibuli me ra mai taqomaki Ba ena 3pm, ka raica na nodrau vakavinakataki na kena na qai oti.
Note: The Fijian summary above aims to capture the core points in a concise translation.
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