The Naitasiri rugby team will have to improve its discipline in their Skipper Cup quarter-final clash against Macuata this Saturday.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Naitasiri head coach Ilaitia Tuisese said his players have set their sight on winning this year’s Skipper Cup after their successful Farebrother Sullivan trophy campaign this season.

“It will be hard and tough as a lot of teams will be after us after our Farebrother trophy win from Nadroga last week,” Tuisese said.

“Training has been the usual but we need to reset as it’s always a challenge to get the boys in the right state of mind after a victory.”

Tuisese said the goal for their side prior to the start of the season was to get both Skipper Cup and Farebrother trophy.

“We must beat Macuata to progress further in the Skipper Cup competition otherwise it’ll be early Christmas for us,” he said.

“Discipline is the main area that we need to work on.”

Tuisese said it was big boost for his side to have the services of a Fijian Drua in their campaign throughout the season.

“Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta is the true son of Naitaisiri so he can tick it off the box now that he’s played for his province,” he said.

“I’m not sure if he’s available this week but it was awesome to have him last week and the boys welcomed him with open arms.”

Tuisese said he was impressed that his team played the full 80 minutes of rugby.

“We always win tight games as we usually play right to the last minute to win,” he said.

“We have been doing that the last six matches that we played. Players will never give up as we fight to the last minute.”

Tuisese said the team’s underlying strength is the bond that players have.

Action between Macuata and Ba during their Skipper match this year. Photo: Sereana Salalo

“I always told some the players that despite being from another province; when you don the jersey, you are from Naitasiri,” he said.

“Most of these players are in the first year or second year of playing in the Skipper Cup competition.”

Tuisese said the people of Naitasiri are the motivation for his side to win their quarter-final match.

“I always tell the players to look at the fans from the ground as they come in trucks, buses and cars,” he said.

“The players always play for the people of Naitasiri, their families, fans and vanua.”

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