FORMER Flying Fijian and Farebrother trophy conqueror Peni Volavola says every minute is crucial for BLK Nadroga and Jacks of Fiji Nadi when they battle for the prestigious HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge trophy at Lawaqa Park this afternoon.
The former Queensland rugby forward said the battle between the traditional rugby rivals is expected to be fierce and physical.
Volavola said Nadroga had been impressive in their last Farebrother defences and called on Nadi to lift their game if it wanted to stop the Stallions.
The former Nadi rep said the Farebrother Challenge trophy was special to both teams and they would do their outmost best to win the game.
Volavola, who was part of the Nadi team that won the Farebrother for six consecutive years from 1982-86 is optimistic that Nadi can do the impossible of creating an upset against the in-form and power pack Stallions outfit
“Nadroga has been unbeaten with big wins over the past games therefore Nadi has to improve from their standard against Army last Saturday to match Nadroga,” the former prop said.
“I watched Nadi in their warm-up game against Army last week and based on what I’ve seen, the side can create upset on Saturday.
“Nadi should apply pressure in the first 20 minutes and most importantly every second is important.
“The Nadi defensive line should meet their opposition beyond their advantage line and work from that momentum.”
Volavola said the forwards needed to counter their oppositions upfront.
“As far as they can counter Nadroga in the forwards I believe they can do well no matter how good the backline is.
“The Farebrother means a lot to these teams and definitely it be will be an exciting game.”
He has also called on all former Nadi players to be at the ground and support their team.
Volavola played alongside some of Nadi’s big names such as Vilikesa Vatiwaliwali, Iokimi Finau, Peceli Gale, Bruce Naulago, Belasio Vukiwai, Asaeli Hughes, Ilaitia Savai, Maika Toga, Samisoni Viriviri, Ilai Korotamana, Esala Labalaba, Savenaca Aria, Sainivalati Laulau, Manasa Qoro and Epeli Turuva during Nadi’s six years Farebrother reign.
He was also part of the first Fiji team that reached the Rugby World Cup final in 1987.
The much anticipated Nadi-Nadroga battle kicks off at 3pm.
