RA head coach Sireli Bobo praised his players for their commitment despite the challenges of assembling the squad after their victory yesterday.
Ra and Northland will contest the Vodafone Vanua Cup final after recording impressive victories in their respective semi-finals, with both sides also securing automatic promotion to the 2027 Skipper Cup.
Ra overturned a halftime deficit to defeat Vatukoula 35-24 in an entertaining contest.
Vatukoula led 14-10 at the break, but Ra came out firing in the second half. A penalty followed by a converted try handed Ra the lead before the side capitalised on its momentum to take control of the match.
A well-executed cross-kick in the closing stages resulted in Ra’s final try, sealing the victory and confirming its place in the championship decider.
“We’ve had our challenges in assembling this team, but the boys have continued to put in the work,” Bobo said.
He said the 30-member squad remained focused throughout the campaign and deserved credit for reaching the final.
Northland, meanwhile, produced a composed second-half performance to defeat Cakaudrove 23-5 after taking a narrow 3-0 lead into halftime.
After a cagey opening spell, Northland raised its intensity after the break, scoring crucial tries while maintaining a solid defensive effort to keep Cakaudrove to just five points.
Captain Osea Turagarua said the team expected a tough contest and prepared accordingly.
“We expected a good fight from Cakaudrove. They are a good team and we also tried to prepare ourselves for that,” Turagarua said.
The victory capped another disciplined performance from Northland, which now shifts its attention to the final against Ra.
With promotion to the Skipper Cup already secured, both teams will now battle for Vanua Cup honours in what promises to be an exciting championship decider.
