Daveta clip Borneo Eagles’ wings to win Cobra 10s tournament

PETALING JAYA: Daveta were just too strong for title-holders Borneo Eagles in the final of the Cobra 10s rugby tournament.

The Fijian team outplayed Sabahbased Eagles, powered by 14 New Zealand players, 26-10 to lift the trophy for the second time in the 47th edition of the tournament.

Daveta, who won their first title in 2012, made four tries and three conversions against the Eagles’ two

tries at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

Joseva Kuricuva, Luke Nadurutalo, Rusiate Tawalo and Leveni Tani made the tries for Daveta. Tomoci Tavuto made two conversions while Lemeki Tulele had one.

For the Eagles, Gafatasi William Sua and Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee made the tries.

Daveta pocketed US$10,000 (RM41,925) while the Eagles received US$6,000 (RM25,155).

Three-time champions Eagles started off well by making the first try in the fourth minute. They gave the Fijians a good fight, trailing 10-12 in the first half.

But the Eagles made some unforced defensive errors in the second half and Daveta took advantage to pull off a convincing win.

Earlier in the quarter-finals, Daveta trounced Singapore Barbarians 26-5. They went on to whip favourites North Harbour of New Zealand 14-5 in the semi-finals.

Daveta skipper Sakiusa Gavidi praised his teammates for raising to the occasion, especially in the final.

“We played our best match in the final. The Eagles gave us a strong challenge in the first half but we came back strongly in the second half,” said Gavidi.

Eagles team manager Vela Tan said they paid the price for making uncharacteristic mistakes in defence.

“The Fijians had a better strategy and it worked in their favour. And they captalised on our mistakes. You cannot afford to make any errors when you play against the Fijians,” said Vela.