NASINU’S young guns have their boots on the gas and another semi-final ticket in their pockets, but team manager Senimili Karanavatu wants more fire in the tank after their Subrails Marama 36-26 quarter-final win over Kadavu at HFC Bank Stadium last Saturday.
The victory keeps Nasinu in the title race and gives the side another chance at making the final after last year’s campaign ended in a 30-21 semi-final defeat to Namosi.
Karanavatu was relieved to see her players get the job done against a tough Kadavu outfit, although she admitted they needed time to find their rhythm.
“At the beginning, I think they just didn’t know what to do, but as the game went on, they started to build up in the first half and then in the second half as well,” she said.
“I’m glad that they did the job. We had a very good opponent from the Kadavu side.”
Karanavatu believes Nasinu has the right mix to make a serious push, with emerging talent bringing youthful energy while experienced players provide valuable guidance.
Several members of the squad have progressed from the under-16 grade into the Marama Cup, earning their stripes against seasoned campaigners.
For Karanavatu, that blend of youth and experience is helping the team punch above its weight, while the players’ strong bond is giving them another reason to dig deep for one another.
“Nasinu Rugby is usually known for developing young players, and we have a lot of players who were playing in the under-16s who are currently playing in the Marama Cup,” she said.
But there is no time to rest on yesterday’s result. Karanavatu wants her players switched on from the opening whistle, especially when matches reach the dying minutes and cool heads matter most.
“We want the girls to work harder than what they did today. I know that they can do better,” she said.
Last year’s semi-final exit remains unfinished business, and Nasinu now has another chance to turn promise into a grand-final appearance.
Karanavatu also thanked the loyal supporters cheering from Fiji and overseas, promising the team would give them plenty to get behind in the next round.
