We are expecting a very physical encounter, says Nadroga coach Etonia Naba ahead of their crucial clash against Nadi in the INKK Farebrother Trophy Challenge match today at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
While speaking to this newspaper, the former national 7s captain said the feeling in camp was good with the boys eager for the final clash.
The Stallions have successfully defended the trophy in the past three weeks against Namosi, Naitasiri and Suva, however, battling against the Skipper Cup champion Naba said would be the “litmus test” for Nadroga.
“We will field our best team and we know Nadi is a very tough team, just like all the other teams,” he said.
“Nadi brings big packs in the game and we are expecting a tough battle in the forwards.
“I trust the boys to get the job done as we have been prepared well — mentally, physically and spiritually for the game.”
He said they had a score to settle against Nadi in their “incomplete” Skipper Cup round five match, which ended abruptly at Lawaqa Park following a power outage.
Nadi was leading by 15-14 when the lights went off with a decision made for the match to be called off and the win awarded to Nadi.
“We have been waiting for quite sometime to meet Nadi as our last game was incomplete.
“We are not only looking to avenge that loss but also keep hold of the Farebrother Trophy for the rest of the year.”
Naba said all their hard work for the past three weeks would go to waste if they would lose their final challenge match against Nadi.
“We are hoping to see a good number of fans coming to support us and in general a lot of people would be coming from Nadi, Ba and Lautoka due to the Vanua Challenge match as well,” he said.
Naba said Fijian Drua winger Taniela Rakuro was still out with injury and Joseva Kuricuva, who played at fly-half for the Stallions against Suva last week, would not feature for them today.
“We have few changes to the team.”
Lautoka Maroons face Ba at 1pm while Nadroga and Nadi take the field at 3pm.
