The Capital City side understands that playing against Vinod Patel Ba side at their home turf today would not be easy. Suva senior men’s team manager Ulaiasi Butukoro said Ba was always a tough opponent. The two sides will play at the newly renovated Govind Park, Ba. “We’re expecting a very physical and competitive match-up,” Butukoro said. “We know they’ll come in hungry to make a strong start to their campaign. For Suva, it’s about executing our structures well and maintaining discipline from the first whistle. “We’ve prepared thoroughly and look forward to a high-quality contest.” Suva hopes to secure a home quarterfinal and win both the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Challenge. “Suva Rugby has a proud legacy, and we aim to uphold that through the season retaining lost glory from last year’s loss to Nadroga in the Skipper Cup final. “We will work towards securing a home quarterfinal as the ultimate goal is to win the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Challenge this year.” Butukoro added their off-season went well with the squad playing club games throughout the year. He said the team had a strong focus on conditioning and building depth across all positions. “The coaches have worked hard on integrating new talent and refining our systems. “There will be eight debutants for Suva in this match against Ba; a few have recently returned from national duties with the Fiji Under-20 and High Performance Unit (HPU). “We expect them to rise to the occasion for Suva There’s a healthy competition for spots in the team, which is exactly what we want heading into the season. All in all, we are well prepared physically and mentally.” There are no Fijian Drua players in the Solomone Nute-coached side this season. “However, it presents an opportunity for our current crop of talents to make a name for themselves and their families and perform at the high level of provincial rugby. Perhaps also knock on the doors of the Fijian Drua development programme come end of the season.” Butukoro indicated that Suva No.8 Mosese Naiova would captain the side. “He is a player who brings strong leadership, a lot of experience, and commitment both on and off the field. “He has the full backing of the team and management and we’re confident he’ll lead by example. “He has also been very consistent over the last two seasons for Suva and we wish him well for this season and perhaps break into a call up for national duties,” Butukoro added. He also thanked the Suva Rugby executives, supporters, families, and sponsor FMF for standing behind the team as they begin the new season. “We are looking forward to a great game and we would like to invite our supporters to come in numbers.”