Rugby need
RUGBY teams from rural areas in Fiji have a lot to desire for alongside their campaigns for victories.
Such was the case with Northland Tailevu and Macuata when they met in the first quarter-final of the Vodafone Vanua Championship at the Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on Friday. Both teams need help.
The neutral ground was a soggy Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. Vanua backing was evident in the vocal crowd of more than 3000 spectators braving the chilly conditions and intermittent rains.
They were kept warm with their cheers, dancing and flag waving. Northland struck first with a converted try before Macuata built its attack on the embankment side of the park, created an overlap to score and narrow the margin by two points. Northland 7-5 Macuata before the Tailevu North side slotted a penalty and ran in its second try to lead 15-8 after Macuata also answered with another penalty.
Macuata rover, Josese Degei was at the end of his side's second phase attack minutes later and opened the second spell with his try. His fullback and captain raised their fans' hopes that they would reach the semis when he slotted a penalty to put them into the lead 16-15.
But their hopes were dashed minutes later when Northland, using its heavy experienced forwards and fast backline which included veteran hooker Dan Ligairi and former Fiji 7s rep Emosi Mulevoro at fly half, to score two quick tries to win and went into the semis with their 17-16 win.
“It's been awhile since Northland enjoy a big vanua support such as today,” Northland team manager Banuve Dretiverata said.
“The cheers and the support around the ground boosted the players. It's a good sign because we want to go to the major union.”
Macuata Rugby Union chairman Saimoni Cabealawa was content with the loss.
“We have a new board and a new three-year plan. To reach the quarterfinals in the first year is testament to what we can achieve in the other two years. We, the team from rural areas desire a lot. We want to win and we need help to be able to win,” he said.
Macuata: Sunia Tuberi, Osea Rabitu, Jone Costello, Miti Raibu, Api Toge, Vinaya Ratubuli, Vili Lomaloma, Kali Ledua, Niko Yalocolo, Naibuka Toka, Peni Ravula, Jovesa Degei, Tevita Tere, Viliame Raqio, Jope Draunibaka, Anasa Moli, Sakiusa Raqio, Kolaia Malamala, Kameli Noacau, Savenaca Ravu, Sekove Tui, Sekonaia Naituku.
Northland: Jeremaia Nakavu, Dan Ligairi, Inoke Ravu, Eroni Leone, Sakiasi Kaitoga, Mala Namalo, Api Nacagilevu, Isaia Naqica, Sailasa Vasua, Emosi Mulevoro, Sakiasi Tabua, Josua Yavala, Vito Wairakia, Jese Tubu, Saint George Talei, Mesake Kainalovu, Sailosi Siri, Epeli Basituka, Norani Vuna, Atu Turaga, Uraia Merukula, Meli Ravai.