The Fiji Pine Lautoka rugby team is expecting a torrid encounter against Naitasiri in today’s INKK Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge.

The Maroons survived their first challenge by beating FMF Suva 21-19 last Saturday.

The Penioni Ranitu coached-side will not change their strategies but work on their mistakes before playing the Highlanders. “We are sticking to our same preparation from the last two weeks,” Ranitu said.

“We had worked on our lineouts, attack and mauls to prepare for this unpredictable Naitasiri side.”

Ranitu believes his players would only play well if they’re enjoying the game.

For the Suva clash, Ranitu said they were banking on their forwards but were thankful that their backline sparked in the game.

“We were also able to maintain pressure which was very good.”

He said they would introduce a new first-five eighth to solve their goal-kicking problem, which would be crucial against Naitasiri.

“I know Naitasiri will utilise their chances of getting points on the board. We will work on capitalising any chance given and disrupt their gameplay,” Ranitu said.

Lautoka also has the services of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua fullback Sikeli Rabitu.

“Rabitu has been instrumental. He has been proving himself lately. We are hoping that he will be called up for the Flying Fijians upcoming test matches,” he said. challenge and he hopes they would be able to defend the Farebrother against Naitasiri.

“I’ve stressed to the players to remain humble, keep God first and having family time is crucial for the team’s morale.”

The match kicks-off at 3pm.

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 Lautoka: 1. Kitione Tabakece, 2. Viliame Satala, 3. Lemeki Racule, 4. Viliame Senileba, 5. Agavito Sauvakarua, 6. Gabirieli Ratu, 7. Eroni Leone, 8. Apakuki Vuaviri, 9. Samisoni Ravudi, 10. Jeremaia Tavai, 11.Vatiliai Tora, 12. Jolame Nasilasila, 13. Jona Sawailau (captain), 14. Na-canieli Vulo, 15. Isikeli Rabitu. Reserves: 16. Sireli Guivalu, 17. Josefa Radrodro, 18. Masi Serubasaga, 19. Apete Pulumeau, 20. Raikabula Momoedonu, 21. Semisi Navoka, 22. Sunia Talebula, 23. Eliki Naikusa.

Naitasiri: 1. Asiveli Rokoua (captain), 2. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 3. Ilaitia Sela, 4. Atonio Sova, 5. Marika Naitau, 6. Luke Vosa, 7. Veniasi Vosawale, 8. Maciu Vakacabeqoli, 9. Napolioni Batimala, 10. Senijiale Qiokata, 11. Sakaraia Soqonakalou, 12. Peni Tubuna, 13. Vatemosi Volauca, 14. Vatiliai Vosawale, 15. Etonia Rokotuisawa. Reserves: 16. Taitusi Roko, 17. Jone Naqiri, 18. Emosi Natubailagi, 19. Semisi Nakokorava, 20. Inia Tudrau, 21. Kaminieli Lutumailagi, 22. Wise Bower, 23. Viliame Kanatabua. Match officials: Referee- Tevita Rokovereni; Assistant Referee 1- Maretino Koroivuki, Assistant Referee 2- Josaia Caucau.

Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj