In a repeat of last year’s title decider, defending champions Tabusoro Fiji will take on Tokouso – Samoa and Tonga in the Vodafone Tri Nations 15s Series final today.

Tabusoro Fiji will be going all out in their bid to retain the title against arch-rivals Tokouso at Victoria Park in Tupapa in the “winner takes all” clash starting at 4pm.

Tokouso took an early lead in the annual series, beating Cook Islands Residents 24-22 a fortnight ago. Tabusoro thumped the Residents 44-23 earlier this week.

Tabusoro manager Aseri Turuibewa said they were satisfied with the performance against the Residents and were looking forward to a similar outing against Tokouso.

“We were satisfied with the way the boys played, they maintained continuity and kept hitting the advantage line. We also did well with our set pieces and managed to score some good tries, the support play was also good,” Turuibewa said.

“Our selection was based on the players playing in the (domestic) competition; we made sure we picked those we regularly played as they had the game fitness to play in a series like this.”

Young fly half Nathan Nabou stood out against the Residents, scoring two tries including an intercept and dash for the try line from within his own territory.

“Number 10 is an important role in any team and we have entrusted that position to Nathan and he has taken full responsibility of the role.

“Against Tokouso especially their number 10, it will be a challenge for him but with the support of senior players around him we have full faith in him.”

Tokouso is made up of some of the top forwards and backline players including former Chiefs lock/flanker Taleni Seu.

Turuibewa said they were wary of the challenge the Samoans and Tongans will bring, but ready for the do-or-die battle.

“It’s going to be a tit-for-tat battle because they have some good players in their forwards as well as backline.

“As long as we maintain the continuity, as long as we move forward, as long as we support each other, we are confident we will get a good outcome. We just want to get our set pieces right and trust it will take us through.”

Tabusoro will also be hoping for fine weather so they can retain their free-flowing, running rugby that helped them beat the Residents on Wednesday.

Tokouso is coached by Ox Moananu and skippered by Fereti Iona. Efforts to contact their coach for comments yesterday proved futile.