Do-or-die for Nova, Piggies

 By KYMLIE KARANI

GOGO Cola Nova will be banking on the services of spear headers Elipema Kini, Mick Rau and Kapua Kapua this Saturday to maintain form in the top four of Capital Rugby.

The last round to be played at the Monier Rugby Park this weekend will see Nova go up against heavy weights Kemele University Piggies.

In the other premier match, Defence will go clashing against Lasallians.

It will be another nerve-wrecking game between Nova and the University Piggies.

As the playoffs approach, it is a crucial time for both teams.

The winner makes the top four and secures a semi-finals spot commencing next weekend.

Nova, who a currently on third spot after thrashing Spartans 41-12 last weekend, will be expecting a tough encounter from the blue Piggies, who are currently placed fourth and only two points away from Nova.

Despite the absence of key players in the likes of veteran Douglas Guise, Billy Torea and Joshua Vakona, enforcers Kini, Rau, Kapua and flanker La’a Thomas, who featured prominently in their game last weekend, will lead their forward pack locking horns with Piggies heavy weights.

Vakona, Guise and Torea are currently attending training with the Australian Brumbies in Australia along with the rest of the PNG Pukpuks 7s team.

Nova may have to rely on their speedy backline led by fly half Nane Amona, centre Peter Kolkia, electrifying winger Manu Guise and Tivaum Gigmat.

On Sunday, Trukai Harlequins will take on Juggernauts in their bid to retain the number one spot in the Capital Rugby Union competition.

Following their bye last weekend, Harlequins would be expected to be on their toes as they take on Juggernauts.

Despite missing favourites the Kautu brothers, Tisa and Jonah Jnr, the defending champions will be making use of reserves Ben Levi and Roland Namo to steer the back line.

In the other match, Brothers will go up against Warriors.