FORMER national selector Sailosi Naiteqe Senior believes the team that maintains its intensity for the full 80 minutes and makes the most of its possession will emerge victorious in this week’s Skipper Cup semi-finals.

The semi-finals will see Nadi host Naitasiri at Prince Charles Park, while Tailevu takes on Nadroga at HFC Bank Stadium.

Speaking from his home in Queensland, Australia, Naiteqe expects two competitive encounters, with the outcome likely to depend on discipline, coaching decisions and the ability to turn quality possession into points.

“I have watched Naitasiri, Nadroga and Nadi play during one of my holidays in Fiji and I can say the importance of playing the full 80 minutes rugby,” Naiteqe said.

He stressed that teams must use their opportunities wisely, with coaches playing a crucial role in deciding when to introduce impact players.

“Also the importance of coaches using their right trump card at the right time and also the impact players going in the right time.

“How they use and turn quality balls into points.”

Naiteqe said maintaining performance throughout the match would be crucial, particularly in high-pressure semi-finals where small mistakes could determine which teams advance to the final.

He also backed Tailevu’s potential, revealing that he had identified the side as a strong contender well before the current season reached its business end.

“Last year I have been saying Tailevu is the team to beat this year,” he added.

With a place in the final at stake, Naiteqe’s message to all four teams is clear: execute their game plans, manage possession effectively and maintain their intensity until the final whistle.

The semi-finals promise an exciting weekend of rugby as Nadi, Naitasiri, Tailevu and Nadroga battle for a place in the Skipper Cup final.