Defending Skipper Cup Men’s senior champion Suva will be banking on the experience of the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s reps to help them find their spark when they take on Nadi in this weekend’s semi final.
Coach Solomoni Nute says the inclusion of the national 7s squad members into the side against Ba last week proved to be the difference, especially in the backline with the likes of Terio Veilawa, Tira Welagi and Sakiusa Siqila.
Nute says they brought in a lot of influence into the back line and with Veilawa executing his kicks well, it was an added bonus.
When asked if he is confident that they can defend the title again this year, Nute says he believes in his players and knows they have what it takes to defend the title.
It will be a repeat of the Skipper Cup final last year where these two teams met and Suva came out on top to lift the prestigious trophy, but this time it is in the semi finals.
Suva will take on Nadi at 1pm in the first semi final while Nadroga will take on Naitasiri at 3pm with both games to be played at Ratu Cakobau Park this Saturday.
In the under-20s, Naitasiri will take on Suva at 9am and Nadroga will play Nadi at 11am with both games played at Ratu Cakobau Park as well.
Meanwhile, in the ANZ Marama Championship that will be played on Friday, in the under 20s, Namosi will play Nadi at Bidesi Park and Suva will take on Naitasiri at Buckhurst Park with both games kicking off at 2pm.
Suva will take on Nasinu at Buckhurst Park in the senior women’s first semi final and Yasawa will play Namosi at Bidesi Park in the second semi final with both games kicking off at 4pm.
