Taniela Sadrugu slammed the ball down for a try and looked up into the heavens. The try was “for my late grandpa”.
The Fiji Bati forward’s try was one of five as the Fijians steamroller a spirited Scotland outfit 30-14 during a Rugby League World Cup clash at Kingston Park in Newcastle yesterday.
The win also ensured the Bati a place in the quarter-finals where they will face New Zealand on Saturday in Hull. Sadrugu, who only took up rugby league last year, said he lost his grandfather last week while he was on tour in the UK with the Bati.
He said his granddad was someone who supported his rugby career.
“I dedicate the try to my grandpa who passed away in the village last week. I know he was watching from above in Heaven,” the Wailevu, Macuata man said. “I was close to my grandpa and he was one who supported my rugby career.
“I’m saddened that I could not be there to say goodbye to him, but I know it is God’s will. I thank the Lord Almighty for the win today (yesterday) and my brothers for the good performance against Scotland. I also want to thank the elders back in the village for their support. Also to my family in Ono, Lau.”
He said the team was looking forward to playing New Zealand.
“We’ll take the win for now and prepare for New Zealand next week.”
Fiji’s other tries were scored by Viliame Kikau, Henry Raiwalui, Maika Sivo and Korbin Sims.
Brandon Wakeham converted all the tries. Scotland replied with tries to Lachlan Walmsley, Bayley Liu and Ben Hellewell.
