There’s no better way for the Naitasiri Rugby Union to celebrate its silver jubilee with the prestigious INKK Farebrother Trophy in their cabinet.

This was revealed to SUNsports last Saturday by NRU president Ratu Peceli Rinakama.

“We’re planning to celebrate our silver jubilee after the rugby competition is completed,” Ratu Peceli said.

“We’ve got the Farebrother Trophy for this year and now we’ll turn our focus to the Skipper Cup quarterfinals.”

Naitasiri hosts Macuata in their quarterfinal clash.

The Hillmen’s success so far has been the leadership of their inspirational captain and loosehead prop Asiveli Rokoua, who is always leading from the front and urging his men on when under extreme pressure. This has resulted in their comeback wins over Lautoka and Nadroga.

Also, they have Etonia Rokotuisawa, a world class kicker at full-back, who is superb with his positional play, defence and ability to read the game from the back to set-up the backline.

Then they are surrounded by talented players like Kavaia Tagivetaua, lanky lock Marika Natau, Peni Tubuna, Sakaraia Soqonakalou and Vatiliai Vosawale.

With key No.10 Senijiale Qiokata still recovering from injury, Naitasiri has another new find in running first-five eighth Wise Bower.

 

 

Our top teams for the Skipper quarterfinals

MACUATA

With their weekly club games going on, fitness will not be a concern for the Macuata players.

The Voreqe Bainimarama-coached side defied all odds when they beat Nadi and Tailevu at home in this year’s Skipper Cup. They also managed a 12-12 draw against Namosi at Thomson Park, Navua.

On the day, the Macuata side is capable of creating an upset and should not be underestimated by Naitasiri.

The player to watch is halfback Jone Vatuwaliwali who has been the mainstay of the team.

The former Suva and Ratu Kadavulevu School star No.9 is making a comeback and will be their go-to-man on Saturday.

 

SUVA

The defending Skipper Cup champions will be out to make amends after missing out on the Farebrother Trophy challenge where they lost 21-19 to Lautoka.

Head coach Solo Nute will be hoping to have the services of captain and first-five eighth Enele Malele who has been rested due to injury. His return will surely boost Suva’s hopes along with the return of their sevens’ players of Terio Tamani, Sakiua Siqila and Tira Wilagi who represented Fiji at the Madrid tournament in Spain.

 

BA 

The Vilimoni Delasau-coached Ba side had been playing warm-up matches against Nadroga and will be out to upset Suva.

The success of the Lautoka side in winning the Farebrother Trophy has inspired Ba to finish strongly in the Skipper Cup.

Despite having their first encounter being downgraded to a friendly match due to jersey and sponsorship issues, Ba will be out to prove their point.

Like Macuata, the Ba Rugby Union has been running their weekly club matches and with a month’s rest, they should be at the best on Saturday.

 

NADROGA

Nadroga has lost their last four matches. That is their last three Skipper Cup matches and last Saturday’s Farebrother challenge against Naitasiri. The Stallions need to get back to their winning ways and they could start with Tailevu in the quarterfinals.

Co-coaches Aca Ratuva and Sireli Bobo have been working with a group of talented players who soon could be in contention for the Fijian Drua or Flying Fijians colours.

These players are openside flanker Sakiusa Vosayaco, Apimeleki Naboleqa, Pateresio Finau and lock Aporosa Matakasa.

 

TAILEVU

Under wily coach Samisoni Baikeitoga, Tailevu missed out on a top four spot and a chance to play in the Farebrother challenge.

Now is their chance to make amends and go for an upset win over Nadroga. The highlight for the year is their 22-17 win over Nadi.

It has been a challenging year for Baikeitoga in rebuilding the team after injuries to a number of their key players and those who are leaving for work in Australia or being contracted with overseas clubs.

 

NADI

After losing the Farebrother Trophy, it’s time for Nadi to bounce back by winning the Skipper Cup. And they’ll surely do just that, starting with neighbours Lautoka in the quarterfinals.

Both teams have played against each other twice this season with a win each. The Jetsetters are surely going to bank on the likes of Jolame Luvevou, Naulia Dawai, Anasa Raqili, Jaoji Koroimataitini and Maikeli Sivo to boost their campaign.

And as expected they are likely to bring in Fijian Drua players of Livai Natave, Meli Tuni, Sailosi Vukalokalo and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, if they don’t make the travelling squad to Auckland, New Zealand.

 

LAUTOKA

The Jona Sawailau captained-side has had a good year and now they’ve to try and win the Skipper Cup.

The Maroons have talented players like winger Vulo Turaga who topped the Farebrother try scoring list along with enterprising Drua full-back Isikeli Rabitu. In the forwards they have strong running No.8 Apakuki Vuaviri and Eroni Leone.

 

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