The stage is set for an intense showdown in the Vodafone Deans Championship U18 semi-finals this Saturday at the HFC Stadium, with Suva Grammar School taking on Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) and Nasinu Secondary facing Natabua High School.
Suva Grammar fullback and captain Semi Solovani, who kept his cool to slot the match-winning penalty in the 27-24 quarter-final victory over Lelean Memorial School, says discipline and teamwork will be key as they chase a place in the final.
Solovani shared some of his secret to success.
“When we finish training, I’ll do my extra work to try and perfect my game.
“Our message is always about working together as a team and looking out for one another,” the Year 13 student said.
RKS remains the team to beat after a dominant 34-7 quarter-final win over Cuvu College. Known for their physical forward pack and a ruthless breakdown game, the Lodoni brigade are masters of controlling territory and applying relentless pressure.
Their set-piece precision and defensive organisation make them particularly dangerous in knockout rugby.
Grammar will need to match them physically early on and deny them quick front-foot ball to have any chance of unsettling them.
Natabua, the only western side left in the competition, edged Marist Brothers High School 20-17 in a thriller to reach the semi-finals.
They bring flair and attacking variety, capable of striking from anywhere on the field.
The Lautoka-based school has a balanced squad blending strong ball carriers with elusive backs, and they have shown composure under pressure.
Against Nasinu, their challenge will be to control possession and avoid giving away penalties in key areas, as the capital side thrives on capitalising from opposition mistakes.
The semi-finals for all grades will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday