Vanua roar | Pride and power collide in quarter-finals

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Vatukoula defence work hard to stop Nadi’s Sairusi Tanidrala during their match in the Skipper Cup competition at Theodore Park in Vatukoula. Picture: REINAL CHAND

IT will be a battle of pride and power when Nadi takes on Suva in the Skipper Cup quarter-final at Churchill Park today at 3pm.

Nadi Rugby Union president Ratu Apisai Naevo has called on fans from the vanua o Nadi to come out in numbers and support their gladiators as they chase a spot in the semi-finals.

He urged supporters to make this an unforgettable day, adding their presence and encouragement would lift the team’s morale in this crucial knockout encounter.

“This will be an unforgettable day; calling on the vanua o Nadi to come out in numbers and support the team as this day will never come again.

“We thank the vanua o Nadi for their support in previous weeks and their support on Saturday will definitely boost the morale of the team,” Naevo said.

The two teams last met in the final round of the round-robin stage last week, where Suva narrowly won 16-13 in a thrilling contest at Bidesi Park.

For Suva, head coach Solomone Nute said his side had been focusing on improving their performance and learning from past matches.

He stressed that teamwork has been the key to their campaign so far and that the quarter-final presents another chance to showcase their growth and discipline on the field.

Fans can expect a fierce showdown between two of Fiji’s rugby heavyweights as both sides fight to keep their Skipper Cup dreams alive. In the first quarter-final at Churchill Park at 1pm, Lautoka will take on Tailevu.

Over at Lawaqa Park, Nadroga meets Malolo at 1pm and Naitasiri will play Ba at 3pm.