It is a clash of the force with Army Green taking on Fresh’et Navy in the first Suva Rugby Union Escott Shield semi-final on Saturday.

In the second semi-final the Seremaia Bai pioneered Eastern Saints will take on SCB Police.

While confirming the semi-final matches yesterday, SRU secretary Nemani Tuifagalele said the venue of the two matches will be finalised later.

Buckhurst and Bidesi Park have been booked by Oceania while the Laucala grounds are also unavailable.

“We’ve booked the USP grounds but we are trying to get the best grounds to stage the semi-finals,” Tuifagalele said.

“Right now it will be either at the USP ground or Suva Grammar grounds,” he said.

“It will be a cracker of a game this weekend.

“I am calling out to supporters to come and watch the most anticipated semi-final of all time.

“While we are yet to confirm the venue we can confirm that competition this season has been very tough.

“It is too early to even make a prediction as the four teams fighting for top spot this season are all good.”

Favourites, SCB Police survived a tough showdown against Lomaiviti in the second quarter-final last week.

Police has the services of veteran Number 8 James Brown and Paris Olympics silver medallist Terio Tamani.

“Police is not an easy team to play against, they are the defending champs,” he said.

“They are familiar with the Escott Shield as they have won it numerous times.”

Police had defeated Fresh’et Navy 13-11 in a tightly contested Escott Shield final at Buckhurst Park, Suva last year.

Tuifagalele salutes Lomaiviti for putting a superb quarter-final display against the champions.

“We have been having the same number of teams the last two years.

“But, in terms of intensity and quality of the competition, it has been getting better every year,” he said.

“This is a reflection of the amount work and time dedicated to grassroot development; it is paying off positively at club level.”

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