Tailevu rugby head coach Samisoni Baikeitoga is calling on fans to travel down to Nadi in numbers as the side looks at ending an eight-year Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy drought.
Tailevu last won the coveted silverware in 2012 and Baikeitoga said it had been a tough journey for the green and gold machine this season.
The side has also cemented its spot in next year’s Skipper Cup competition.
“I thank our loyal supporters for being with us this season and they have been a pillar of strength for the team,” the Mokani man said after the 24-21 win over Naitasiri last weekend.
“I am calling on them again to travel with us on Saturday because their presence in Nadi will boost the players in winning the trophy.”
The schoolteacher said the coaching team had been optimistic they would have the chance to battle for the Farebrother-Sullivan trophy and the time was here.
“This is our final game and even though we missed out on the Skipper Cup play-offs, Saturday’s clash is our final,” he said.
The side will miss the service of halfback Simione Kuruvoli, who is part of the Flying Fijians’ Autumn Nations Cup campaign in Europe but Baikeitoga said the players would play their hearts out for the province.
“We wish him well and we have a game at hand to play.”
The side plays running rugby and against Nadi this week he said they would make sure they beat the “giants”.
Tailevu, last week, lost three scrums from nine of its throw ins, lost two line-outs, made four crucial turnovers and was tight in defence to deny Naitasiri three try-scoring opportunities.
“The coaching team will work on our mistakes from last week and come Saturday the boys will be ready,” Baikeitoga said.
The match will kick-off at 3pm.
The team was boosted with a busload of Nausori Town market vendors and wheelbarrow boys visit at their camp in Nausori on Thursday.
In other matches this weekend Suva will take on Namosi on Saturday at 3pm, Naitasiri will face Yasawa while Nadroga will battle neighbour Lautoka.
