THE stage is set for an exciting Skipper Cup quarter-final double-header tomorrow at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
In the opening match at 1pm, Tailevu will take on Lautoka, while the second quarterfinal at 3pm will see Suva battle Nadi for a spot in the semi-finals.
For Tailevu, tomorrow’s clash marks a long-awaited return to the Skipper Cup quarterfinals and president Joe Rodan says his side is ready to give it everything.
“It’s knockout time we’re hoping to win, and we’ll do our best.
“We go in as underdogs, Lautoka will have the upper hand, but we’ll come out strongly. We’ll surprise them. At the end, the best prepared team will win,” Rodan said.
Rodan added that his team is fully focused and injury-free after their victory over Macuata last week.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve reached this stage. The players are determined, and we’re calling on all our supporters to come out and cheer for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lautoka head coach Peniona Ranitu says his side has been working hard to sharpen their set pieces and build on last year’s quarterfinal finish.
“We’re preparing well improving our scrum, lineout, and restarts. It will be a strong game,” Ranitu said.
“Last year, we reached the quarterfinal; this year, our aim is to go one better. All the boys are fit and ready,” Ranitu said.
Adding extra firepower for Lautoka will be Swire Shipping Fijian Drua stars Isikeli Rabitu and Peni Matawalu, who will lead the charge from the backs.
