VODAFONE Flying Fijians centre Eroni Vasiteri has forced his way into the Nadroga team to face Naitasiri in the first challenge of the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge game this afternoon.
Also making his appearance for Nadroga will be former Vodafone Fiji 7s rep Mitieli Nacagilevu.
The Stallions will miss the services of upcoming star playmaker Peceli Nacebe and hard-hitting Flying Fijians’ number 8 Nemani Nagusa.
Nacebe was instrumental for the Stallions in the Skipper Cup final against Namosi scoring two tries and made some big breaks that helped his team thump Namosi last weekend.
Nagusa who was consistent in his appearance for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup but missed out in the final cut for the 23-member team named yesterday.
Head coach Esala Nauga, however, named a powerful team which included seasoned campaigners such as warhorses Setefano Samoca, Manoa Tamaya, Sailosi Dawai, Vasikali Mudu, Jone Navori, Sakiusa Gavidi, Apisalome Waqatabu, Aisea Natoga, Avete Daveta, Ifereimi Tovilevu and Aporosa Tabulawaki.
Players likely to make their mark include livewire hooker Ratunaisa Navuma who scored a brace of tries last week and versatile openside flanker Mudu.
Mudu who was a member of the Ratu Navula U18 team that won the Deans rugby few years ago has established his dominance in the number 7s jumper for the champion Stallions outfit.
The Stallions, despite the absence of Eremasi Radrodro and Joeli Lutumailagi are expecting a tough game against a tough Naitasiri team that also has the services of Flying Fijians Joeli Veitayaki and Frank Lomani.
Both camps have admitted it would be an exciting encounter and the team that played its cards right would prevail.
Naitasiri coach Koli Sewabu said it would be a big ask for his players to beat the Stallions.
He, however, stated the highlanders have nothing to lose and pressure would be on Nadroga to defend the title.
Nadroga president Tiko Matawalu said the encounter would be thrilling and exciting.
He has called on the fans to come out in huge numbers to support the Stallions. The match will be held at Lawaqa Park, 3pm.
Nadroga: 1. Alivereti Bure, 2. Ratunaisa Navuma, 3. Setefano Samoca, 4. Manoa Tamaya “C”, 5. Sailosi Dawai, 6. Josefa Nahalo, 7.Vasikali Mudu, 8.Jone Navori, 9.Sakiusa Gavidi, 10.Apisalome Waqatabu, 11. Aisea Natoga, 12.Eroni Vasiteri, 13. Ifereimi Tovilevu, 14. Avete Daveta, 15. Mitieli Nacagilevu. Reserves: Ilaisa Leca, Sanaila Nahuto, Rt Penijamini Makutu, Simione Naivaludua , Mosese Tawake, Simione Drotini, Sakiusa Nakalevu,Aporosa Tabulawaki
