NAITASIRI will get another chance at defending champions Malolo when the sides clash in their Skipper Cup quarter-final at 1pm today at HFC Bank Stadium, with the Highlanders chasing a result that could rewrite their recent history against the defending champions.
Malolo have won their last two meetings, beating Naitasiri 41-26 in last year’s final before edging them 27-24 in Round 11 matchup at Lawaqa Park last weekend.
However, knockout rugby brings a fresh challenge, with a semi-final place up for grabs and little room for error. For the Highlanders, the key will be winning the battle up front and making their possession count.
Head coach Timoci Tinaviti said his side had identified areas to improve, particularly its scrum, lineouts and overall set-piece execution.
“Our approach has not changed when it comes to our games. After our game in Nadroga, we highlighted that our set-piece, scrum and line-outs are areas we need to improve ahead of the quarter-final,” he said.
A strong platform at the set-piece could give Naitasiri the front-foot ball needed to test Malolo’s defensive line, while discipline at the breakdown and accuracy in finishing attacking movements will be equally important.
The Highlanders will also be watching the contribution of their wider squad as they prepare for the knockout challenge.
Saula Qiolevu and Etonia Rokotuisawa are among 10 Skipper Cup players added to the Fiji Water Flying Fijians training squad ahead of the Japan Test and subsequent Nations Championship campaign.
Tinaviti said the team was grateful for players returning to camp from the national squad after numbers were limited last week.
“Last week there weren’t a lot of players in the squad, but we are grateful for the players who have returned and joined camp from the Flying Fijians squad and will be part of the team for the upcoming quarter-final clash,” he said.
Malolo, meanwhile, will be aiming to maintain their advantage over the Highlanders and keep their title defence moving towards the semi-finals.
Tinaviti expects another physical contest between the familiar opponents.
“We are expecting an intense game from the champions, Malolo. We already played against them twice and we will face them again. We’ll see which team triumphs,” he said.
With the stage is set for another battle between the two sides, Naitasiri know what has gone wrong in their previous encounters; now they must turn that knowledge into points, pressure and a performance capable of knocking out the defending champions.
