Battle of the halves loom

The Fiji Times - Friday, October 09, 2009 5:22 PM

AN intense battle of the halves combinations will be the interesting feature of the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy clash at Ratu Cakobau Park tomorrow.

Halfback Emosi Vucago and first-five-eighth Jiuta Lutumailagi were instrumental in guiding Nadroga during their fixtures in the 2009 Digicel Cup competition and again in the final where they accounted for Nadi.

On the other hand the reigning champions, Naitasiri have ridden on the combination of Waisale Vatuvoka and Kolinio Vunaki since they wrested the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from Nadi and then in the successful but tough defences against city sides Suva and Lautoka.

With both sets of forwards attaining peak fitness and match fitness it is how the halves use the possession that come their way which could determine the outcome of what will be a fitting final to the Fiji Rugby Union’s domestic competition.

All four players have displayed good handling and kicking skills, their cool around the step pieces and broken play, an eye for the gap plus an ability to mix it with the bigger forwards are a plus.

That is also why noth set of loose forwards will have to work over time to stop the halves from dictating play.

Naitasiri coach Reverend Joji Rinakama said he had mapped out a plan to shut out Lutumailagi.

And four Naitasiri players still have fresh memories of when they lost to Nadroga three years ago. They are Paul Tiko, Nemani Vecenayawa, Vereniki Sauturaga and Jokini Sivo.

There will be two changes to Naitsairi’s starting line-up after winger Sanaila Vitau and fullback Joe Ravulovulo were declared unavailable because of injury sustained in the challenge match against Lautoka last week.

Winger Nasoni Roko has been shifted from his favourite number 11 jumper to fullback while former Flying Fijians winger 15s rep Mosese Luveitasau gets a recall.

NAITASIRI:
1 Jale Koroi, 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 3 Vesi Rarawa, 4 Senivalati Vunibola, 5 Ben Sadrugu, 6 Apisalome Ratuniyarawam 7 Jimilai Nakaidawa, 8 Apisai Rinamalo (c), 9 Waisale Vatuvoka, 10 Kolinio Vunaki, 11 Mosese Luveitasau, 12 Leone Tabuarua, 13 Paula Tiko, 14 Jo Nakaira, 15 Nasoni Roko
Reserves: 16 Aisea Rinakama, 17 Sireli Kaloucava, 18 Jokini Sivo, 19 Silivenusi Gavidi, 20 Nemani Vecenayawa, 21 Leone Ratulevu, 22 Lepani Nabuliwaqa

NADROGA:
1 Tiko Matawalu, 2 Seremaia Naureure, 3 Setefano Somoca, 4 Manoa Tamaya, 5 Etonia Nabahiki, 6 Mosese Volavola 7 Semesa Goneva, 8 Asaeli Boko, 9 Emosi Vucago, 10 Jiuta Lutumailagi, 11 Maikeli Mocetadra, 12 Jonetani Ratu, 13 Mesulame Soqa, 14 Joeli Lutumailagi, 15 Mitieli Nacagilevu
Reserves: 16 Ulaiasi Lohevu, 17 Apisai Turukawa, 18 Sailosi Rabonaqica, 19 Aca Ratuva, 20 Seru Naqasima, 21 Jonetani Ralulu, 22 Paula Karitu.