A vibrant congregation of rugby enthusiasts from the western division is expected in Suva for the highly anticipated Skipper Cup finals. The event will feature exciting matches, including the under-20 final between Nadi and Naitasiri, as well as the senior men’s championship where Malolo will square off against Naitasiri.
Semi Cabenalotu, team manager for Malolo, is optimistic about the upcoming finals, citing the diverse backgrounds of the players. The squad boasts a mix of talents from Nadroga, Navosa, and even players from Vanua Levu, which is expected to generate robust community support for Malolo during the final showdown.
Conversely, Naitasiri’s head coach, Timoci Tinaviti, expressed confidence in their loyal fanbase, noting the consistent support they’ve received throughout the season, especially during their recent away games in Ba. Naitasiri stands poised to end a 15-year title drought; their last championship victory was in 2010, making this final particularly significant for the team.
For the under-20 Nadi squad, the focus will be on shoring up their defensive strategies ahead of the final against Naitasiri. Manager Viliame Tuidraki acknowledged the team’s earlier defensive missteps during their semifinal against Ba and emphasized the need for improvement to compete effectively.
The finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the Under-20 match kicking off at 1 PM, followed by the Subrail Marama final between Suva and Namosi at 11 AM, and culminating in the Skipper Cup final at 3 PM. All matches will be broadcast live on FBC 2.
As the excitement escalates for these pivotal contests, the atmosphere is expected to be charged, reflecting the strong unity and passion of Fijian rugby fans. The finals not only highlight outstanding athletic prowess but also embody community pride and the enduring love for rugby in Fiji, promising an unforgettable day in the sport’s history.