THE Saru Dragons reserve grade team will not be intimidated by their bigger Police Sharks opponents in the reserve grade final today.
The Kadar Buksh Buses-sponsored side beat favourites Dee Cees Nadera Panthers 12-10 in the semi-finals last week and are optimistic of their chances today.
Team coach Tevita Volavola said their opponents may be bigger but they can be beaten.
He said his team had not backed down from any challenge and were expecting a tough hit-out from the Sharks.
"I have been telling the boys not to be afraid of our opponents even if they are bigger or what," Volavola said.
"Our main aim is to do better than them (Sharks) on the field and to play harder than ever," he said.
Volavola said if his boys stuck to the game plan and defended to the best of their abilities, they could beat the Sharks.
He said they had to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents and remain disciplined on the field.
"We must not lose any of our players in the 80 minutes of the games because even if one player is sin-binned, our whole structure may be affected.
"So we have been reminding our players on discipline because we don't want to give then any penalties within kicking range."
He said one of their key players in the match would be the man who kicked both conversions in their semi-final win, Asaeli Burekato.
"He (Burekato) is a good kicker and he will not back down from any opportunity he gets if given a penalty or conversion."
"Also, the supporter will play a key part because without their backing, a win will be very difficult.
"So we want our supporters to be there to cheer for us and motivate us in the final," Volavola said.
The reserve grade final kicks off at 1.15pm this afternoon at Buckhurst Park in Suva and a new champion will be crowned today after last year';s winners Namatakula Tigers were beaten 0-6 by the Sharks last weekend.