Piggies look for break

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

KEMELE University Piggies and Nova are desperate to keep the top four teams in check when they meet in an expected fiery match-up in the Capital Rugby Union at Monier Rugby Park tomorrow.

While on Sunday, tensions will certainly get the better of the players and probably the bench as well when title holders Trukai Harlequins meet Juggernauts in the other hot clash of the round.

With only five matches remaining before the play-offs the bar has been raised, with clubs now starting to nudge and jostle each other in a desperate move to get a clear run.

The Piggies have slumped to an all-time low in seventh spot and will need more than a miracle to get back into contention.

Fifth-placed Nova are ideally situated and will certainly be fighting tooth and nail to maintain their foothold.

This is a recipe for a spiteful clash as both teams prepare for an all-out battle.

The struggling Piggies will look to former Pukpuks William Rikis and Kevin Vitolo to lead against a vibrant Nova outfit.

Nova’s strong ball-runner Elipema Kini is in good form and with the return of Billy Torea from injury, elusive backrower Emmanuel Mora and prop Moses Guise reaching their peak, they will give the Piggies a good run.

In the backs, Manu Guise, Titi Gigimat and Anthony Kamburi have a bit of a roll-on and will test the Piggies combination of Dean Manale, Koini Kidi, Simon Gaius and the Susuve brothers Emmanuel and Geno.

In the other matches, Defence should account for LaSallians tomorrow and Kramer Ausenco Brothers over Motuan Warriors on Sunday.