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Hillmen to miss Seruvakula
Fiji Times - Thursday, September 20, 2007 9:07 AM
NAITASIRI will play in the Sanyo Cup final against Nadi on Saturday without inspirational captain Senirusi Seruvakula.
The Fiji Rugby Union handed the Naitasiri number eight a two-match suspension after being shown the red card in last week's semi-final match win over Nadroga.
FRU operations manager Vilikesa Rinavuaka said the games committee met to deliberate on Seruvakula's send off.
"We have decided that a two-match suspension is sufficient enough penalty," Rinavuaka said.
He added that no appeal on the decision was made by Seruvakula or his Naitasiri team.
Seruvakula returned early this year from a nine-month ban and will miss next week's Farebrother Challenge against Tailevu next week.
Naitasiri Rugby Union secretary Viliame Kanatabua said Seruvakula decided not to appeal the decision.
He said his players will need to lift their discipline after receiving two yellow cards and a red card.
Kanatabua said even without Seruvakula's leadership, the team had the power to surge ahead.
"The players showed against Nadroga that they can play with 14-men for about 30 minutes and still come out on top," Kanatabua said.
"They need to dig deep within themselves to find their true form. The boys played gallantly and won."
Kanatabua added that they remained wary of Nadi's prowess after remaining unbeaten in the competition.
"But Nadi is a totally different team and the boys will need to lift another notch if we are to be victorious," he said.
"Nadi is a champion team and we respect them for that."
The final kicks off at 3.30pm at Prince Charles Park.
At 10am, Tavua faces Navosa in the Under-19s final. At 11.20am, Naitasiri takes on Nadroga in the development final followed by the B Division final at 1pm.
