Vuniwaqa for Tavua

Fiji Times - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 7:33 AM

FORMER Fiji sevens rep Epeli Vuniwaqa is part of a relatively unknown and unpredictable Tavua combination hoping to stun Tailevu in the Farebrother-Sullivan trophy challenge on Saturday.

"We don't have big name reps, but the players are up for the big game," Tavua Rugby Union president Watisoni Nuku said yesterday.

"We are going through a rebuilding phase and like Tailevu, we have a lot of young and upcoming players." Having beaten giants Nadroga two years in a row — both home and away — Tavua fans can expect a fiery challenge from the underdogs.

"The champions have a formidable side and want to keep the trophy over the festive period," Nuku said.

"However, we want to do the same and there's a lot to play for." Nuku said they had monitored Tailevu's progress.

"We've seen what they're made of and what they're capable of and we'll be looking to counter that.

"We had been doing light training after the Sanyo cup and we upped the tempo over the last two to three weeks.

"The side moved into camp on Sunday. I think we have a very exciting match in store." Nuku said the final cup challenge should provide the perfect finish to a very good year of rugby for Fiji given the Flying Fijians heroics at the Rugby World Cup.