THE lack of ground in the capital city to host the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge this Saturday can be a blessing in disguise for the holders Fiji Bitter Suva side.
The Suva Rugby Union (SRU) yesterday announced that they would take their first Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy defence against Naitasiri to Lautoka's Churchill Park following lack of suitable ground in Suva.
The National Stadium is undergoing renovation work and Albert Park does not have the capacity to host an event of such magnitude.
"And getting the match to Ratu Cakobau Park would be an advantage to Naitasiri since it's their own ground," SRU chairman Francis Kean said.
"So the executive committee made the decision and have advised the Fiji Rugby Union that the challenge match on Saturday will be held at Churchill Park in Lautoka."
FRU coaching director Franck Boivert, who has been compiling statistics on provincial teams based on their performance at the Digicel Cup competition this year, said the turf in Lautoka favoured Suva.
"Suva's strength could be the faster backrow and backline. Since the game is in Lautoka on a field with proper dimensions, they could take advantage of the width of the field," he said.
"Suva may also have the best front row in the country."
Suva overcame giants Nadroga 20-17 last Saturday in Lautoka to lay their hands on the prestigious trophy after seven years.
Kean said they needed the support of their fans to fend off the anticipated tough challenge from the rampaging Highlanders.
"We sincerely apologise to all our fans and businesses because this is something beyond our control," Kean said.
"We hope the fans will come down in numbers to support the Suva team in the first defence of the Farebrother and keep us in their daily prayers as well."