ANOTHER test, different opposition, same outcome.
That was the verdict at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park after the mighty BLK Nadroga Stallions survived another gruelling HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge beating RC Manubhai Suva 34-23 yesterday.
The rampaging Stallions, playing without some key players, rose to the occasion and outclassed the Capital City boys to successfully retain the Holy Grail of rugby in the country.
Captain courageous Nemani Nagusa led the fightback with a try from the base of the scrum after his team was down 10-6 late in the first spell.
He picked up the ball from the base of the scrum beating Suva’s flanker and bulldozed over Etuate Qio for Nadroga’s opening try.
But it was the Capital City boys who dominated the first quarter of the game scoring two tries to fullback Sikeli Vuruna and flyer Necani Wakaya before Nagusa made his mark with a try.
Former Fiji Bati rep Nemani Raiwalui also scored six points from his boot helping Nadroga to hold a slender 11-10 lead at halftime. Raiwalui teamed-up well with his scrum half Sakiusa Gavidi and set up gaps for their mobile pack to punch holes thus providing quality possession for the back line to weave their magic.
The Stallions operated like a well-oiled machine in the second spell as they launched waves of attack using their renowned running rugby and offloading in tackles to score three tries to one.
In the midfield combination Apete Daveta teamed up well with Ifereimi Tovilevu to score a try each before open side flanker Jone Navori added his name on the try scoring list. Super subs Alivereti Veitokani and former Fiji 7s captain Emosi Vucago provided the much needed impact after replacing Raiwalui and Gavidi in the second spell.
Suva on the other hand did not back down and turned the tables on Nadroga in attack to score a consolation try two minutes from full time.
Nadroga forward Setefano Samoca gave credit to God for guiding his team to win.
“Firstly we thank the Almighty for his guidance that enabled us to win,” he said.
“Suva gave us a good test and I thank my teammates and officials for playing as a unit to retain the Farebrother title.”
Samoca said the side would reset their focus on the next challenger. Suva skipper Alipate Mataivelia admitted their opponents deserved to win. Nadroga will face Malolo next week.
