Rugby returns with a double header
THE stage is set for a rugby showdown that is already attracting a lot of attention. When the dust settles this afternoon at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, a lot more than just a game of rugby would have been savoured to the brim.
This weekend marks the return of top level rugby union games in Fiji following the cancellation of sporting events when the announcement of our first COVID-19 case was made in March.
Today, in other games in the Skipper Cup competition, Tailevu plays Namosi at Thomson Park in Navua, Naitasiri will host Lautoka at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, and Yasawa will host Nadi at Churchill Park.
But there can be no doubts about the importance being placed on the Nadroga versus Suva clash this afternoon.
It pits two sides with differing styles. No one can ever dispute where the hearts and minds of the vanua of Nadroga lies though.
To understand how intimately connected it is to the psyche of the Nadroga fan, you will have to be at Lawaqa Park today. Suva fans also have a very special bond with their favourite side. It sets up an exciting clash.
Interestingly the venue has been witness to some funny moments as well over the years, some that could easily make it into the annals of the America’s Funniest Videos.
A senior journalists remembers how a few years ago, the Navosa side was in action at the park.
As the game kicked off, some fans who couldn’t pay their way in got on to some of the highest branches of trees that lined the fence.
As their favourite team breached the opposition defence, branches swayed from side to side, with chants of ‘go Navosa, go!’
A warning went out over the sound system, first urging the tree hugging fans to come down and pay their way in.
The chants got louder, and the branches swayed from side to side.
A second warning was sounded, this time, informing the tree huggers that the hosts had hired professional boxers from Navosa to provide security at the ground.
The cheering just got louder, and the branches swayed from side to side.
The guards threatened the tree dwellers, ordering them to get down.
The cheers just got louder.
By this time, many fans on the grandstand had turned to the show that was unfolding in the trees.
The guards had to run around to the park entrance to get to the trees outside. That’s when all hell broke loose. The branches shook as the enthusiastic fans dropped from their branches to run for their lives.
The sight of guards running after them in the distance is now the stuff of memorable tales of watching rugby in Fiji.
Rugby is much more than just a game for many fans.
It inches out a sense of belonging, unity, enthusiasm and passion.
There is a streak of the wild one that sometimes rears its face when the hype builds up and the tempo rises on the pitch.
That’s when fans embrace the atmosphere that makes these games special.
This afternoon, Suva and Nadroga fans will be cheering their teams on at a venue that holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of enthusiastic rugby fans.
Today, the Stallions will be defending Fiji rugby’s most prized possession – the coveted Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy. Suva heads in as champions of the Skipper Cup competition.
It’s a double header to kickstart the new season. We wish the two teams the best this afternoon. May the best team win on a very special ground.