TEBARA Bus Tailevu is itching to avenge last year’s loss when it takes on BLK Nadroga in the fifth match of the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge in Sigatoka today.
“We can’t wait to repay what they did to us last year,” said team manager Kitione Lalakomacoi.
Those words will be the motivating factor for the Tailevu players as the Stallions put their title on the line for the fifth time.
Lalakomacoi said they could not wait to avenge what Nadroga had done at the ANZ Stadium 12 months ago.
“It still hurts, what they did to us last year,” he said.
Lalakomacoi said they were ready to avenge the loss where national sevens rep Savenaca Rawaca scored the winning try.
With Rawaca is unavailable today, Lalakomacoi said they had the opportune chance to repay Nadroga.
“We can’t wait for kick-off so we can repay them what they did to us. We want to avenge that loss at their home ground and we’re looking forward to that.”
New skipper Sakeo Latianara will lead the team upfront for the first time. The Tokatoka man from Nakelo is one of the experienced players for Tailevu.
Former Flying Fijians Jaoji Dakuvula and Iliesa Keresoni will lead the charge for the backline while former Fiji under-20 scrum-half Emori Waqa will be the link between the forwards and backs.
Lalakomacoi said Latianara was given the leadership role because he was one of the top players in the side.
“Sakeo is one of the experience players for us. It’s the first time for him to captain the side.
“He commands respect from the players and we have faith, he’ll lead with example.”
He said the players were told to play simple rugby.
“Discipline and simple rugby is what we’re reminding the players. They just have to go out there and do what we have been practising at training.”
He urged the Tailevu supporters to comemout in numbers and rally behind the boys.
The game kicks off at 3pm at Lawaqa Park.
Tailevu: Jale Sassen, Saula Qalomai, Sakeo Latianara (C), Daveta Koroitakali, Jo Matasau, Isei Ravulo, Joseva Wini, Ropate Raburau, Emori Waqa, Sunia Bainivalu, Manueli Gade, Poasa Waqanibau, Iliesa Keresoni, David Batiratu, Jaoji Dakuvula. Reserves: Manasa Tuidraki, Sunia Tamani, Anare Sovanivalu, Pio Vakavosaki, Moli Mouga, Keni Naidrodro, James Vuli, Aminisitai Niukula
Nadroga: Seremaia Naureure, Ratu Seru Cakobau, Setefano Samoca, Iosefo Tania, Etonia Naba, Timoci Sauvoli, Jone Navori, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Sakiusa Gavidi, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Iliesa Ratuva, Eroni Vasiteri, Samu Cava, Esala Navori, Mitieli Nacagilevu. Reserves: Iliesa Leca, Ratu Penijamini Makutu, Nemani Camainakelo, Apisai Moimoi, Levani Kurimudu, Samu Laqai, Ratunaisa Narukutabua, Ratunaisa Vatuinaruku.
