Brothers determined

By JELILAH KUM
BROTHERS will be determined to maintain top spot when they face third-placed University in round nine of the Capital Rugby Union competition in Port Moresby tomorrow (1pm kick-off).
“We are working hard at training,” Brothers coach Joe Kautu told The National.
“But a few of our senior players still have to recover from their injuries.”
Brothers centre Tisa Kautu, and wingers Emil Latumahina and Robin Loma have been ruled out through injury for tomorrow’s match of the round at Bava Park.
Brothers are coming off a 37-6 flogging of Valley Hunters and University will be keen to pick up from where they left off after their 7-3 win over former ladder leaders Harlequins, who were previously unbeaten.
“We lost to University in round three, so this is a great opportunity to square the ledger,” Kautu said.
“But it is easier said than done.
“We will need to be at our best if we are to come out with a win.
“We will need to dominate the line-out and scrums.”
He said Brothers, who are on 32 points, would focus more on defence for the remainder of the season in their bid to retain the title.
Meanwhile, the second-placed Harlequins — under experienced campaigner Desmond Korpok — will be aiming to bounce back with a win over Valley (3pm).
Competition coordinator Pepe Gotaha said: “We are using the top-four and bottom-four concepts to finish the season.
“The top-four teams will face each other and the bottom sides will do the same.”
Fixtures: Sat, Nov 7 — Wanderers v Moni Plus Nova (9am), Crusaders v Juggernauts (11am), Brothers v University (1pm), Credit Corporation Harlequins v Valley Hunters (3pm).