LAUTOKA Maroons coaching director Penioni Ranitu believes mental toughness will be the key as his side looks to bounce back from a heartbreaking opening-round defeat when they host traditional rivals Nadi in Round 2 of the Skipper Cup competition this Saturday at Churchill Park.
The Maroons narrowly lost 23-24 to Nadroga in their season opener after conceding the decisive points in the closing stages, but Ranitu said the coaching staff had spent the week addressing the areas that let the team down.
“We have worked on whatever we needed to work on this week,” Ranitu said.
“We know that Nadi will come stronger after their first win against Kadavu, so we’ll try and play our own brand of rugby and counter whatever they bring on Saturday.”
Despite the rivalry between the neighbouring provinces, Ranitu said there was plenty of mutual respect between the two sides.
“We always respect Nadi. They are our neighbours, we look up to each other and we know each other well. We’ll do our best this week.”
Ranitu said the biggest lesson from the narrow defeat to Nadroga was the need to remain mentally switched on for the full 80 minutes.
“Physically we are there, but it’s about the mentality to stay focused and keep going for the whole game. We need to mentally prepare our boys, so they remain focused for the full 80 minutes and keep pushing for the win.”
He added that the team hoped to build on those improvements throughout the remainder of the Skipper Cup campaign.
Lautoka has retained much of last season’s core squad while introducing several promising youngsters into the team.
“There are a few young boys and a few new players, but most of the core squad is still here. We’ve lost Peni Matawalu as he has joined Ra Rugby, but the rest of the boys are preparing well.”
Ranitu was pleased with how the newcomers had adapted in their first outing.
Churchill Park games fixtures:
· Lautoka Women’s v Nadi Women’s at 9am; and
· Lautoka U20 v Nadi U20 at 1pm
· Lautoka Senior Men’s v Nadi Senior Men’s at 3pm
Sakiusa Vanisalia in action during the Lautoka Rugby team training held at St Thomas Primary School ground on 5th August 2026. Picture: REINAL CHAND
