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Naitasiri looking to bring Skipper Cup home after long drought

The last time Naitasiri Highlanders played in the Skipper Cup grand finale was back in 2014, and 6 years later Highlanders have made it through to the final after a long 14 rounds of competition.

Naitasiri last won Fiji Rugby’s top tier competition in 2010, back then when it was Digicel Cup competition, from then until last year the Highlanders haven’t secured the title and they’re eager to lift the Skipper Cup this year.

Naitasiri knows that Suva will be looking at securing their third title win and the Highlanders are looking forward to a pulsating encounter

Both teams had a good run in the 2020 Skipper season and finished off in the top 2, with Suva in the first place while Naitasiri comes in at second.

Naitasiri secured 10 total wins and 4 loss while the capital city side has won 11 games and lost 3.

Naitasiri head coach Dr. Ilaitia Tuisese explained that they’re preparing and getting to their best form, and they’re looking to bring the game to Suva and come in hard at them.

“Suva is a champion side, and we have to be on top of our game in this final, we know what they’re capable of on the field, and we’ll have to come in hard at them in this grand finale,” said Tuisese.

“They (Suva) are used to playing in the final, they have done it for the last three years and it is time for us to go hard and try to win it,” he said.

With plenty of exciting talented players and the stability of their stalwart seniors, Coach Tuisese will be fielding a fierce and dominating lineup for their final encounter.

“We have to be strategic against Suva and to make sure that our set pieces are executed well,” he added.

Suva head coach Sakaraia Labalaba said that the last time they met Naitasiri, they lost 27-10, but that was a different arena and this week is the final and players will give their all.

Naitasiri takes on Suva at 6 pm this Saturday at the ANZ Stadium Suva.