Chink in Tailevu armour: Waqa

Fiji Times - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 7:34 AM

Etuate Waqa yesterday revealed a chink in the Tailevu armour that should give unpredictable Tavua a sniff of a historic upset in this weekend's Farebrother-Sullivan trophy challenge.

The Tailevu Knights coach for the 2008 Colonial Cup competition said analysis showed the champions were beginning to drop their guard. Waqa, who helped coach Inoke Male map out Tailevu's defensive strategy, said last weekend's win over Lautoka highlighted flaws in the champion's game.

"Far too many line-breaks by the opposition, there was no continuity and the level of focus seems to be dropping," said the former Fiji Bati and national rugby rep.

Waqa said Lautoka, like other recent challengers, was a collective outfit put together in haste. "No provincial union can fund a team to stay and train for months after the Sanyo Cup is over," Waqa said.

"That's why I am saying that Lautoka was a hastily assembled side. Their fitness level was not really there but still they almost pulled off a win. Had they got the try early in the second spell when they were held up over the line, they could have won." Twice Maroons flyhalf Iliesa Nalawaniyavi, once in each half, and substitute Viliame Satala Junior made clear line breaks against what previously was a water-tight Tailevu defence.

"That is a cause for concern," Waqa said.

"I've always bet on Tailevu's consistency and defence. They need to get their level of concentration and motivation back up to where it was after the win over Nadroga.

"The team has been playing week-in, week-out and combination and focus should never be a problem. Another performance like the one against Lautoka and I won't be surprised if Tavua took the trophy away."

The final challenge of the season will be held on Saturday starting 3pm at Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park.