“That win was a bonus for us but we’ve to focus on the next game. We must work on our discipline and not to give away kickable penalties.
Fiji Pine Lautoka No.8 Apakuki Vuaviri keeps possession against FMF Suva at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on May 18, 2024. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Discipline is an area the Penione Ranitu-coached Fiji Pine Lautoka rugby team will be working on before they defend the INKK Mobile Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy against Naitasiri on Saturday.
The Maroons are wary of rookie Naitasiri first five-eighth Senijiale Qiokata who has been a prolific goalkeeper during the Skipper Cup competition.
Lautoka after upsetting Jack’s Nadi 16-10 in their challenge match managed to defend the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy by beating FMF Suva 21-19 last Saturday. Maroons captain Jona Sawailau said the team has put all their wins behind him and are focused on their next challenge.
“We have finished with Suva, and Naitasiri is next so we’ve started fresh again on Monday,” he said.
“That win was a bonus for us but we’ve to focus on the next game. We must work on our discipline and not to give away kickable penalties.
“We were a man down and we have to iron out this indiscipline before the next game against Naitasiri.”
Sawailau believes that with the backing of their fans the country’s prestigious rugby title is staying in Lautoka.
The side will be banking on their first-choice full-back and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua utility back Isikeli Rabitu.
Players to look out for are winger Vulo Turaga who scored two tries against Suva and halfback Samisoni Ravudi.
Others in the side include robust flankers Eroni Leone, Agavito Sauvakarua, Apakuki Vuavuri, Inoke Tavai, and Viliame Senileba to name a few.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
