Crusaders start as favourite

Fiji Times - Saturday, April 05, 2008 7:54 AM

THE Colonial Cup will have a new holder after the Knights battle the Crusaders in the final at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori today. Neither team has won the tournament before.

Statistically, the Crusaders start as favourite having two runners-up titles under their belts and they have never lost to the Knights in the five-year history of the Colonial Cup.

Iliesa Tanivula's men appear to be peaking just at the right time after a slow start.

However, the Knights have been consistent throughout the tournament and have stepped up a notch from previous seasons.

Coach Eddie Waqa has given his side new-found confidence, as shown last week when they defeated the Highlanders.

Waqa relishes the thought of becoming the first Knights coach to lift the Colonial Cup.

The Knights' advantage of playing in front of a vocal home crowd, should put the men in green and gold in good stead in terms of confidence. And Waqa has named his strongest line-up making just one change to his backline and one in the forwards.

Sisa Waqa, who impressed when he came off the bench last weekend, starts at inside centre, whilst Timoci Naqusa and Nacanieli Nabobo will switch wings. Crafty utility back Kelemedi Bola moves to halfback as Nemia Kenatale drops to the bench. Bola combined well last week with fly-half James Vuli as the Knights came from behind to defeat the Highlanders 24-16.

Crusaders coach Iliesa Tanivula, meanwhile, has kept faith in the squad of 22 that defeated the Sharks in their semi-final clash last weekend in Labasa.

The only change comes in the form of Taniela Rawaqa replacing Asaeli Driu at fullback as Driu moves to the bench.

Former 7s rep Vima Tuidraki has been a vital component in the Crusaders line-up since being added to the squad a fortnight ago.

Tuidraki not only adds much-needed pace for the Crusaders at right wing but his defence has been very sound. Tanivula will look to Waisea Luveniyali and Taniela Rawaqa at the back to counter the tactical kicking of Knights duo James Vuli and Iliesa Keresoni.

The successful halves combination of Luveniyali and skipper Aporosa Vata may prove to be the advantage the visitors need on the day.

Sione Tanoa will referee the match which kicks off time at 3pm.

The under-20 final between the Knights and Highlanders begins at 12.30pm.

Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children Under-12.

KNIGHTS:15 Iliesa Keresoni, 14 Nacanieli Nabobo, 13 Saula Radidi, 12 Sisa Waqa, 11 Timoci Naqusa, 10 James Vuli, 9 Kelemedi Bola, 8 Senirusi Seruvakula, 7 Sairusi Kadi, 6 Wate Vocevoce, 5 Peni Tora, 4 Keverieli Bulivorovoro, 3 Sisari Tagivakatini, 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 1 Sakeo Latianara.

Reserves: Mosese Sela, Jim Patrick, Apenisa Ratugoleavanua, Epeli Drakanimate, Nemia Kenatale, Ravai Fatiaki, Malakai Bakaniceva.

CRUSADERS: 15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Vima Tuidraki, 13 Tevita Latianara, 12 Vuniani Bari, 11 Savenaca Waqa, 10 Wise Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata (capt), 8 Aca Bibi, 7 Aminiasi Nava, 6 Seta Ratatagia, 5 Mo Natuilagilagi, 4 Ifereimi Naruma, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Aseri Buli, 1 Sikeli Gavidi.

Reserves: Joeli Lotawa, Paulo Cata, Jona Tavai, Kelepi Ketedromo, Semi Keli, Sunia Vata, Asaeli Driu.