Impact players save cup champion
THE tactical change Suva made in the second half of the last round of the Skipper Cup competition match worked for them as they beat hosts Namosi 22-17 at Thomson Park Navua yesterday.
The two sides will meet again next week in the semifinal.
Taniela Sadrugu, who manager Nemani Tuifagalele described as the black sheep in the team, proved he is one of the best players in the game.
He also praised Nabua fullback Sireli Maqala for his boldness in his first start for the side and also Army playmaker Jeke Suguturaga.
“We made the changes just at the right time,” Tuifagalele said after the reserve players lifted the Capital City side’s attack and defence in the dying minutes of the game.
The Wailevu man in Macuata, who was a standout after coming from the bench, made three crucial tackles and an important turnover right in front of the post that could have impacted the final result of the game.
“Sadrugu is like a thorn in the Namosi side and together with the presence of senior players such as Manoa (Tamaya), who received a yellow-card in the second half, and Sireli (Ledua) helped us today (yesterday).”
Tuifagalele said while the defending champion led the points standings they would choose the venue and they would not take Namosi lightly next week as they would play a rematch in the semi-final.
Yesterday’s referee Tevita
Rokovereni said the ground condition made a big impact on the game.
“Namosi can turn up a different side next week as we can see today (yesterday) that they are a good side,” he said.
“The condition of the ground resulted in some close calls as these teams want to end the round robin on a high note.”
Suva’s points was through playmaker Suguturaga who scored a try also converted three tries and slotted a penalty, tries to prop Livai Natave, winger Misaele Petero, who was shown the yellow-card in the first half and replacement prop Meli Tuni.
Namosi playmaker Joseva Vunisa scored a try and convert a penalty while the other two tries were through Viniya Habosi and Atu Maiono. Teams:
Suva: 1. Livai Natave, 2. Sireli Ledua, 3. Josefa nasaroa, 4. Apisai Senileba, 5. Manoa Tamaya, 6. Tui Cakacaka, 7. Osea Bolawaqatabu, 8. Koli Tamanitoakula, 9. Josefa Vesikara, 10. Jeke Suguturaga, 11. Mosese Nasilasila, 12. Vatilai Dulaki, 13. Elia Ratucove, 14. Misaele Petero, 15. Sireli Maqala. Reserves: 16. Viliame Baravi, 17. Meli Tuni, 18. Talanoa Fifita, 19. Malakai Vereivalu, 20. Taniela Sadrugu, 21. Nemani Buliruarua, 22. Jope Tikomailepanoni, 23 Baogo Laruara Namosi: 1. Atu Maiono, 2. Temesia Rokotui, 3. Alivereti Rabukawaqa, 4. Neori Racule, 5. Semi Baivi, 6. Kelepi Naimasi, 7. Penijamini Komaitoga, 8. Sakiusa Nadruku, 9. Are Leleakula, 10. Josefa Vunisa, 11. Asaeli Tuivuaka, 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Onisi Ratave, 14. Vinaya Habosi, 15. Esala Nalobo. Reserves: 16. Manoa Mocelutu, 17. Suli Qalikaono, 18. Lekima Banuve, 19. Eparama Luvata, 20. Tomasi Sovilea, 21. Cyril Reece, 22. Avete Daveta, 23. Tira Welagi