NADROGA winger Apisalome Waqatabu has warned his side not to underestimate Suva in the fourth Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge match this Saturday.
Waqatabu and his Nadroga teammates that are part of the Digicel Fiji sevens team will miss this weekend's clash, supposedly at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
National 7s coach Alivereti Dere who will be announcing the team for the Gold Coast 7s this weekend, wants all the players in the 24-member training squad to be injury-free.
Waqatabu, who played a pivotal role for Nadroga in the past three challenges and the Digicel Cup win this year, said they had faith in their Stallions teammates.
"Although we won't be playing this week for Nadroga in the Farebrother, we have confidence in the team to perform well this week and give Suva a good game," he said.
"We also can't afford to underestimate the Suva team. Similarly to Nadroga, all other teams coming into the challenge for the Farebrother have done the hard yards in terms of preparation so we can't underestimate them."
Waqatabu along with Apisai Domolailai, Peni Ravai, Samisoni Viriviri, Ulaiasi Lawavou and Sailosi Rabonaqica are the Nadroga reps in the 7s training squad.
Osea Kolinisau and Leone Tabuarua, who have been playing for Suva this season, are also set to miss the challenge.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Waqatabu is hoping to finally break into the national 7s team following the successive unsuccessful three- year trial.
"This is my first time to be part of the reduced squad and it will be my first in the 7s World Series if I make the Gold Coast team ever since I was roped into the extended training squad when Waisale Serevi was coach back in 2008," he said.