THE commitment and discipline of the Fiji Bitter Suva side will be vital when they make their first defence of the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy against Naitasiri this Saturday.
That's the view of Suva chairman Francis Kean when he previewed this weekend's clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
After the win over former champion Nadroga last Saturday, Kean says they will have to double their work if they want to retain the title this week.
Kean said the plan to win the Farebrother started a few years ago when he was appointed as Suva chairman.
"This planning was done a few years back and I'm glad that we've now managed to reap our rewards," Kean said.
"From that time we selected a very young squad and with these players' dedication and commitment throughout the years, they have shown against Nadroga that they have what it takes to be champion."
Kean says the win in Lautoka was just the start and they now had two more challenge before the Farebrother series ends.
Kean said another key factor in the win against Nadroga was the depth in the team.
"We did not play some of our key players against Nadroga but those that were called-up performed to what was expected from them," Kean said.
One of the new players that played outstandingly last weekend was first-five Emosi Mulevoro.
The naval officer kicked a total of ten points from two penalties and two conversions as his contribution to the 20-17 Farebrother Trophy win.
Mulevoro is again expected to take a leading role in this weekends clash against Naitasiri.
Naitasiri has been training under a strict program at the army barracks in Nabua.
Naitasiri is always strong when it comes to the Farebrother challenge and under the leadership of Reverend Joji Rinakama, they will surely prepare a very strong team to take on the reigning champions.