Stewart reveals Suva’s winning message

Experience was the telling factor for Suva as they came from behind to Nadi 20-15 during the Skipper Cup clash at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, yesterday.

Suva vice-captain John Stewart said: “Since training on Monday we knew what was expected from Nadi and the message was to be patient and trust in our system which was in our favour in the last 10 minutes.

What happened: Both teams tried to score early but it was to no avail. Suva lost halfback Terio Tamani and winger Juita Wainiqolo to injuries.

In the 32nd minute, centre Seru Vularika kicked over a penalty for Suva to lead 3-0. In the 38th minute Suva flanker Elia Canakaivata was sin-binned for unprofessional play.

Nadi won their own lineout throw and spread the ball out wide to winger Vilikesa Driu to run around Alasio Naduva to score in the corner.

Stewart came off the bench to replace Naduva who got injured.

Halftime; Nadi 5-3 Suva. Nadi centre Tevita Mociu increased Nadi’s lead with a successful penalty 8-3. Suva held the fort from the scrum for fullback Enele Malele to sprint and dot down a try the in the 68th minute.

Nadi hit back immediately with Pita Naruma’s try in the 70th minute with the successful conversion to give them a 15-10 lead.

Malele struck again in the 74th minute with his second try and Vularika converting for a 17-15 lead. Vularika slotted a penalty in the dying moments to give them a 20-15 win.

Comments: Nadi Rugby Union treasurer Jeff Tamata said: “Experience was the turning factor as it stood right to the final whistle.”