The Vodafone Fiji Bati rugby league team is ramping up its preparations for the highly anticipated Pacific Bowl Championship final against Papua New Guinea, scheduled for Saturday at 5 PM. Fans can catch the action live on FBC Sports. Head coach Wise Kativerata has stressed the necessity for improvement in critical areas identified from previous matches, particularly emphasizing the importance of ruck control and forward momentum.
Kativerata remarked, “We need to control the ruck; we need our forwards to set the platform for our outside backs so they can do their work regarding where we want to get into the field and where we want to finish.” He emphasized that the effectiveness of the forwards in handling pressure will be crucial in creating opportunities for the backs to capitalize.
The coach also highlighted the significance of discipline and structure, stressing the need to finish strong against a relentless PNG squad. This assessment comes in the wake of the Bati’s earlier defeats, particularly a challenging 22-10 loss to the Kumuls. In that match, the Bati fell behind early, ending the first half at a disappointing 16-0, which was exacerbated by critical errors, including conceding four consecutive seven-tackle sets.
Nevertheless, Kativerata exudes optimism about the upcoming final. He noted the enthusiastic support from Fijian fans for international rugby league and expressed excitement about the promising talent emerging from within the squad. This development is seen as a stepping stone toward future competitions, including aspirations for the Rugby League World Cup.
Aware of the aggressive tactics likely to be deployed by Papua New Guinea, a nation known for its robust rugby league culture, Kativerata remains confident that his players can maintain focus and effectively implement their game plans under pressure.
With the countdown to the match underway, there is a clear sense of hope within the Fiji Bati camp as they strive to deliver a memorable performance in the final, showcasing their talent and unwavering determination on the field.