“The players were told to prove themselves during training and also to lift their performance on the field if they are to stay in the squad,” Ratu Peceli said.
Naitasiri No.8 Maciu Vakacabeqoli (with the ball) on the run as he is tackled by his Nadroga counterpart Manueli Ratuniyarawa at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, on June 1, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The Naitasiri players had to work hard if they are to keep their spot in the team.
These were the words of Naitasiri Rugby Union president Ratu Peceli Rinakama after the Highlanders pipped BLK Nadroga 11-10 to retain the INKK Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy.
“The players were told to prove themselves during training and also to lift their performance on the field if they are to stay in the squad,” Ratu Peceli said.
The no-nonsense administrator highlighted that the rules applied to all players in the squad.
“We’re happy that the country’s prestigious rugby trophy is staying with us for Christmas and into the New Year.
Ratu Peceli said they have promising players who could make the Fijian Drua and the Flying Fijians. These players were developed right from the Naitasiri Under-20 squad.
“We’ve a player of such caliber like Etonia Rokotuisawa who plays equally well at fullback and first-five eight. It’s time that he should be considered for the Drua. Then we have players like Kavaia Tagivetaua, Marika Natau who was at lock and so on.”
Playing in front of their vocal supporters, Naitasiri took an early lead when a poor clearance from Nadroga second-five eighth Josese Kurokavu was taken by Rokotuisawa and his attempted drop goal went over for a 3-0 lead. Both teams struggled to control the ball on the slippery ground conditions
Tagivetaua copped a yellow card for a dangerous tackle and Nadroga lost prop Nedley Grant due to injury.
The highlight of the first half was the performance of Naitasiri first-five eighth, Wise Bower, who time and again set-up counter attacking moves with his speed and superb handling skills.
The Stallions came out firing in the second half and shocked Naitasiri with a try from a quick throw in by captain, Ratunaisa Navuma that saw lock Aporosa Matakasa ran unchallenged to the tryline. Kurokava made no mistake with the conversion as they led 7-3.
Inspirational Naitasiri captain Asiveli Rokoua led the charge and was supported by Natau and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta. They drove closer to the Nadroga tryline and the ball was swung out to winger Sakaraia Soqonakalou to score in the corner to regain the lead 8-7.
The Stallions never gave up and replacement fullback Joeli Baleilevuka kicked over a penalty for a 10-8 lead.
Backed by the vocal supporters, Naitasiri fought back to gain a penalty and Rokotuisawa converted for the 11-10 win.
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