Grand battle in Digicel Cup Grand Final decider in Fiji

THERE'S a lot at stake in today's Digicel Cup grand final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this afternoon.

Defending champion Nadroga is eyeing a rare three-peat while Suva is gunning to end its centennial year celebration in style.

However, there is another reason the Stallions want to defend the title badly.

Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu is set to become the first person to win the provincial competition as player, skipper and president.

The former Flying Fijian hopes his gladiators give him a good start to his rugby administrative role with the union he played for more than a decade.

"This is my first year in the president's role and there is a lot of challenges for me," Matawalu, the older brother of Akapusi Qera, said.

"I can say I have achieved being the player and captain and I'm happy with that but this being my first year as the president, it's a new chapter for me and I would really love Nadroga to retain the Digicel Cup title this year."

Nadroga skipper Setefano Samoca said it was an important match for the side and they would do everything to win it.

"We are not going in as champions, what we have done in the past is not what we will take tomorrow (today)," Samoca said.

"We are treating Suva as a champion team and we will do our best.

"We have different reasons to win the game and we are working hard to counter what Suva has said in the media that they want to win the title for their 100th anniversary."

Matawalu, who captained Nadroga in a close Digicel Cup win over Suva in 2011, knows what to expect from the sidelines today.

"It all depends on how well they place their guns and decision making during the game that will determine the winner."

Former Suva captain and Fiji Rugby Union board member Mosese Taga is expecting a "tough and close encounter".

Fiji Times