The Naitasiri Under-20 rugby players are working hard to improve their fitness level before they face Tailevu in tomorrow’s Skipper U20 quarterfinal at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

This was revealed to SUNsports yesterday by Naitasiri U20 head coach Lasarusa Senibale.

“I cannot say that we are preparing at a 100 per cent level as our attendance dropped during the four weeks of break,” he said.

“We struggled trying to get the players back into the training mood. After testing the players on Monday, we found out that we’ve dropped in terms of fitness due to the longevity of the break.”

Senibale said they are working extra hard in training to boost the players fitness level.

“I’m working on our game management, so I’ve told the players to play smart rugby and manage themselves on the field considering the fact that our fitness is not up to par,” he said.

“Discipline issues may arise on the field due to lack of fitness so we’re working on maintaining our discipline.”

Senibale said they have identified gaps in their last match against Nadi.

“We need to work hard on our set piece, space that we need to attack and areas we should hold off our opponents attack,” he said.

“Six players will miss the quarterfinal match as two have joined the Army while the rest are in the Fiji Under-20 camp.”

Senibale said their motivation to win is for the death of one his player’s brother.

“This player’s brother passed away after our training on Monday. Apart from that we’ll play for our province as Naitasiri expects nothing less than a win from any team that puts on that jersey.”

Senibale said they have a huge respect for Tailevu.

“They are one team that stands in our face and never back down so we respect that. “We have a lot to play for this weekend and we come in with a lot of optimism. Our strength comes in the way we fight as a Naitasirian.”

Senibale said the success of the senior men’s team in the INKK Farebrother Trophy triumph has motivated all the Naitasiri rugby teams to go for a win.

“I’m inviting all the people of Naitasiri to turn up in numbers and cheer on the four provincial teams at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori,” he said.

Senibale has urged the Fiji Rugby Union to revise the competition structure

“Only five teams were involved in the Farebrother and the whole eight Under-20 teams were not involved.

“It puts a lot of impact on the quarterfinal preparation because there were four weeks without any games for the U20 teams. It’s just a massive challenge to bring the players together.”

Senibale is hopeful that the FRU implements a better plan for the competition format next year.

“It’ll be better for the Skipper Cup to conclude then the Farebrother Trophy competition follows through to allow the continuity of the Skipper Cup preparations to go smoothly,” he said.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj