THE fifth round of the Nadroga Super Rugby franchise is likely to confirm the names of some teams that will qualify through to the top eight this season and have a chance of challenging the Kalevu Shield.
As the fifth round kicks off on Friday and Saturday, the games continue to be hosted at the Kalevu Ground and Cuvu, Nadroga.
The Nadroga Rugby Union management and officials are impressed with the outcome of games in the past two rounds.
“This third round was a testing phase to see if we are capable of hosting the franchise at the Kalevu Ground and we are pleased with the result of two days of competition in the past rounds,” Union president Jikoibau Matawalu said.
“The venue is free of charge and we have a good turnout from fans because we don’t have any entry fee, so our fans turnout was good and we’ve seen ways of improving our competition to meet the requirement of improving the venue.”
Matawalu said the sixth round of the competition would determine the teams that were eligible of participating in the Kalevu Shield challenge.
“After the sixth round, we will determine the top eight teams that will have the chance to challenge the Kalevu shield.”
Meanwhile, in the fourth round last week, teams in the under-20 grade played tough rugby as Waicoba Crusaders drew 0-0 against Raviravi Sunwolves, Wai Stormers edged Davujukia Reds 17-15, Conua Chiefs beat Bemana Waratahs 9-6, Rukuruku Force drew 12-all against Cuvu Blues, Nokonoko Jaguares defeated Malomalo Sharks 10-0, Noi Nabua Hurricanes beat Tuva Highlanders 13-10 and Vusu Brumbies defeated Qwalimavua Lions 9-3.
In the senior grade; Crusaders beat Sunwolves 17-13, Reds defeated Stormers 24-11, Chiefs beat Waratahs 18-13, Blues edged Force 15-13, Sharks thrashed Jaguares 33-13, Highlanders beat Hurricanes15-6 and Lions tamed the Brumbies 13-12.
However, in the fifth round at the Kalevu Ground tomorrow, the Sunwolves U20 will face the Stormers at 11am, followed by their senior team at 12pm.
The Chiefs then take on the Lions while the last game will be played between the Reds and the hosts, Cuvu Blues.
On Saturday, Crusaders open the competition against the Jaguares with the U20 playing at 9am, followed by the senior team.
At 11am, Jubaniwai Bulls meet Waratahs before the Nadroga senior team plays Namosi team on a warmup match and the Highlanders wrap up the day against the Force.
