The Macuata men’s senior rugby team finds themselves in a do or die situation in the Skipper Cup competition this weekend.
The rugby team of the vanua of Caumatalevu finds itself in the bottom four of the competition and takes on a strong Tailevu team at home.
Head coach Voreqe Bainimarama said they would play as if it was the final.
“This game is crucial for us,” he said, with their fate in the top tier competition hanging in the balance.
“We will play this game like it’s a final as we are in the bottom four of the competition,” he said.
The outcome of the match will determine whether the team retains their spot in the competition next year or drops to the Vodafone Vanua Challenge.
“We are preparing well, and I am adamant that our game plan will provide us a good outcome,” he said.
Bainimarama said they were leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the game against Tailevu.
“In order for a win, we will play according to our game plan,” he said.
He said they had identified a chink in their amour.
“We are working on our scrums and also striving to assert dominance in possession, crucial for controlling the flow of the game,” he said.
They are banking on flyhalf Jone Vatuwaliwali to be an impact player on Saturday.
“Vatuwaliwali is our trump card,” he said.
“His exceptional skills and astute decision-making on the field make him a formidable asset.”
The game will kick off at 3pm.
