FAREBROTHER Sullivan Trophy holders Nadroga don't want a repeat of what happened in 2007 when they underestimated Tailevu and allowed the challengers to wrest the title from the champions.
Former Nadroga skipper, now the union official, Tiko Matawalu said the Stallions must never make that mistake again.
"We did not take Tailevu seriously that year and we paid the price," Matawalu said
Nadroga face Tailevu in the opening Farebrother trophy challenge this afternoon at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Matawalu, who retired from playing rugby at the end of last year's Farebrother competition said the game against Tailevu would set the benchmark for the rest of their campaign in 2012.
"In 2007, when we defended the Farebrother against Tailevu, we were overconfident and we didn't see Tailevu as a threat because they did not have a good run that year.
"But they surprised us and took the trophy away," Matawalu said.
Matawalu said the following year he was also part of the Nadroga team that returned empty-handed from their Farebrother challenge in Nausori when Tailevu defeated them again.
"I've played in two unsuccessful Farebrother matches against Tailevu and my only advice to the Nadroga team is step up the game from the standard they showed against Naitasiri in the Digicel Cup final last week.
"The team will have to lift their game one level up in this game," Matawalu said.
"The boys will have to forget the Digicel Cup win last week and focus on this very important game.
"Tailevu is not an easy team and they have shown that by making an unbeaten run to the semi-finals of the Digicel Cup.
"This is going to be one of the toughest opening Farebrother title defences," Matawalu said.
Former Tailevu Farebrother winning coach and current Flying Fijians head coach Inoke Male says Tailevu has a 50 per cent chance of winning the title this afternoon but they will need to improve on certain areas of their game.
Male said the Tailevu forward pack could compete well against Nadroga as they also had been playing consistently this year.
"They have beaten Nadroga and they know how to counter their tactics," Male said.
The game kicks-off at 3pm with Misaele Petero named to be the referee.
Teams
Tailevu: Sakeo Latianara, Manasa Tuidraki, Mosese Sela,Daveta Koroitakali, Jovesa Tanikorolevu, Leone Nakarawa, Inia Tukere, Saula Radidi/Esiria Vueti, Henry Seniloli, Sunia Bainivalu, Sanaila Vitau, Vilive Aria/Manueli Gade, Tomasi Sivo, Kinijoji Maivalili, Iliesa Keresoni. Reserves: Meli Neori/Jovilisi Rokoiri, Jale Sassen, Mosese Vasuitoga, Saula Radidi/Vilikesa, Aisea Druma, Sevuloni Lutu, Jaoji Dakuvula
Nadroga: Peni Ravai, Seremaia Naureure, Setefano Samoca, Manoa
Tamaya, Sekonaia Kalou, Epeli Qativi, Etonia Nabaiki, Rt Mosese Volavola, Etonia Bula, Jonetani Ralulu, Aisea Natoga, Jovesa Kunawave, Adriu Delai, Apisalome Waqatabu, Samisoni Viriviri. Reserves: Rt Seru Cakobau, Rt Penijamini Makutu,
Apisai Domolailai, Epeli Natuikata, Sakiusa Gavidi, Ratunaisa Vatuinaruku, Mesulame Soga