It was a hard-fought battle between Nasinu rugby under-20 team and Northern Bulls team, with a thrilling last-minute try turning the tables and securing a 15-13 victory for Nasinu in the Vodafone Vanua Trophy round three competition at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
The match kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, with both sides locked at 10-10 in the first half, setting the stage for an intense second half showdown.
While the Northern Bulls managed to take a 13-10 lead with a crucial penalty, Nasinu had other plans, ultimately clinching the victory with a dramatic last-minute try.
Head coach Usaia Dakuitoga expressed his pride in the team’s performance, highlighting the hard work put in leading up to the match.
Despite facing a tough opponent in the Northern Bulls, the young Nasinu players showed determination and skill on the field.
“The boys did what they came to do and that is to get the win, we have worked hard throughout the week for this match and I’m proud of the boy’s performance,” said Dakuitoga.
“The match was a bit up and down, as we can see the points are close, Northern Bulls gave us a good run out on the field, but I’m proud of the boys for the win.”
Dakuitoga acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in defence and breakdown situations, and emphasised the team’s commitment to addressing these weaknesses before their next match.
“Our team consists of a lot of young players, some are in high school, so it was great to see them come out and show their skills on the field.”
Although the result may not have been exactly as desired, Dakuitoga commended the players for giving their all and thanked the supporters and families who stood behind the team throughout the game.
