FIJI Warriors star Nacani Wakaya has all the qualities of a deadly sevens rugby winger.
The Suva speedster put on a solid performance to help the TFL Fiji Warriors thrash Samoa A 36-0 in the World Rugby 2016 Pacific Challenge final on Monday night displaying quality speed, step, power and precise tackling ability.
With Vodafone Fiji Sevens team’s top winger Savenaca Rawaca set to move overseas after the Rio Olympics, Kadavu native Wakaya might just be the man to replace him.
“If I get a chance for the sevens, I can try. I’ll try my best,” the 24-year-old said in a post-match interview at the ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva.
With the first half against Samoa A side being very physical and a close contest, no points were scored in the opening 15 minutes. Wakaya’s try on the stroke of halftime proved decisive and put the Fiji Warriors in firm control of the final following relentless pressure by the Samoans after Fiji had taken the lead with a penalty try on the 18th minute.
Fiji led 16-0 at halftime.
Despite an early unconverted try by Lepani Raiyala (22-0) when play resumed, the fighting Samoans were still alive and kicking, threatening a comeback to spoil the Fijian party.
A half-break by one of the Samoan backs put the visitors back on attack inside Fiji’s 22. With another Samoan back finding space and put on a clear run to the tryline, Wakaya raced back and foiled the move with an ankle tap that sent the attacking player sprawling on the ground.
The Samoans did not recover after that and Fiji Warriors scored two more tries to seal the sweet victory.
“It was a very tough game. I’m happy we won,” Wakaya said.
Lock Mataiasi Ucutabua, wing Lepani Raiyala and inside centre Frederick Hickes also scored tries in the win. Fullback Kitione Ratu kicked two conversions as the brave Fiji Warriors claimed their sixth World Rugby Pacific Challenge title.
World Rugby’s Michael Groom confirmed that there was no man of the match award for the Pacific Challenge final.
