Vinod Patel Ba Rugby will face Vatukoula today in the eighth round of the Skipper Cup competition at Garvey Park in Tavua, in what is shaping up to be a crucial encounter for the Men in Black.
Ba Rugby Union secretary Gabby Kautoga said the match is a do-or-die battle if they are to keep their hopes alive in the competition.
“This is a must-win game for us to maintain our spot in the top eight of the competition.
“The message has gone to the team, and they know that. Not only just a win but a bonus win,” Kautoga said.
He confirmed Ba will field a strong side with no major injury concerns following their outing against Macuata last weekend.
“We know Vatukoula will give us a good challenge. Playing at Garvey Park is like Vatukoula’s second home ground so it will be tough,” he added.
The decision to host the game in Tavua, Kautoga explained, was to acknowledge the support of clubs from Tikina Savatu.
“We are having the game in Garvey Park because we want to take the game to Tikina Savatu, who are part of Ba Rugby Union club games.
“Every Saturday they come down to Ba to play in our weekly club competition, spending hundreds of dollars, so this game we are giving back to them.”
Ba will need to be determined and precise to overcome Vatukoula and keep their campaign alive.
