Sweet rugby revenge
‘TOSO black toso!’ reverberated the loudest at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday as the highly-fancied Naitasiri outfit outclassed hosts Nadi 22-15 during the second challenge match of the Farebrother Sullivan trophy.
It was sweet revenge for the Highlanders who succumbed to Nadi in 2019 at Ratu Cakobau Park.
The Jetsetters set the pace of the match early when block-bustling number eight Ratu Napolioni Dawai dotted down for the game’s first try in the 9th minute of play. The successful conversion by fullback Tevita Mociu had the hosts in front 7-0.
Naitasiri scored three wonderful tries within a space of 16 minutes to Maleli Lesavua in the 14th minute, tireless lock forward Necani Nawaqadau and captain Sireli Kaloucava which inflated the score line to 15-7. Flyhalf Kini Douglas fluffed all the conversions.
The only blemish of an otherwise well-orchestrated game plan set by coach Dr Ilaitia Tuisese was the yellow carding of six foot plus lock forward Jale Railala in the 40th minute.
Nadi’s Sela Toga converted a penalty in front of the sticks in the 43rd minute for the two sides to rest at the breather with the visitors holding a slender 15-10 lead.
The second half commenced at a pulsating pace when robust
Nadi hooker Maikeli Sivo reignited the former holder’s onslaught by crashing over the white chalk with a typical pick-and-drive move in the 51st minute. Toga’s attempted conversion drifted wide from an acute angle.
The Highlanders tackled like men possessed and denied Nadi numerous scoring opportunities; a spilled ball saw replacement Tomasi Naiduki outpacing four Nadi defenders and scored underneath the sticks in the 57th minute of play.
Naitasiri’s stoic defence weathered any Nadi storm as they held on for a deserving victory in the last quarter of the match.
An elated Tuisese said it was an awesome feeling to finally win the Holy Grail of local provincial rugby.
“It’s amazing what the boys did today,” he said.
“They kept it simple and stuck to the game-plan that was laid out for the match.
“I am so proud of the boys and it’s an awesome feeling.”
Nadi spokesman Jeff Tamata attributed the loss to poor onfield decisions but said Nadi would bounce back.
“It was definitely a good game,” he said.
“Naitasiri deserved to win the match today because they took their chances, however minimal.
“We didn’t capitalise on our opportunities but we will definitely be back.”
Jacks Nadi starting line-up:
Reserves:
Naitasiri starting line-up: