Firstly, I congratulate the Fijian Drua side for cementing a spot in Super Rugby from next year.
In just their second year of participation in the Australian Rugby Championship, the Fijian side won the title, and I’m excited with the prospect of our boys playing in Super Rugby which of course is going to be another level. Now that the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika will represent us, we expect more big games coming to our shores.
I agree with FRU chairman Conway Beg that, “To be able to field a team in Super Rugby is a dream come true for our union, country and our players.
It will be a transformational moment in our rugby history, allowing us to bring many of our best players home, and to retain our best talent in Fiji so they can play elite professional rugby in their homeland.” Moving away from the Fijian Drua side, this week’s Skipper Cup competition is likely to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just when the competition was gaining momentum, it has been given a halt. After round two, the Stallions have shot to the top of the points table with two out of two bonus-point wins.
Away from home, the Stallions have been impressive. They hammered Suva at the ANZ Stadium 25-17 in round one, and last week the Stallions outclassed Namosi at Thomson Park 29-28.
The Stallions took sweet revenge having lost twice to Namosi last year.
Nadro fielded a strong line-up with the likes of Sevanaia Rokotuinaceva, Ratunaisa Navuma, Jone Koroiduadua, Josaia Cokaibusa, Napolioni Bakewa, Jioji Kunavula, Tomasi Lalai, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Taitusi Lulusini, Sireli Naoba, Avimeleki Nadeba, Peni Kadralevu, Kelemedi Navucu, Vili Nalolo and Panapasa Qeruqeru. Jonetani Kunavula, Nedley Grant, Ilaitia Sela, Eremasi Radrodro, Ilikimi Naruma, Samuela Laqai, Paula Bete and Jone Dukumoi sparked things coming off the bench.
Namosi, on the other hand, fielded the likes of Venasio Kunabuli, former Stallion forward Seru Cakobau, Jale Sassen, Seremaia Veiseyaki, Eparama Luvata, Apakuki Vuaviri, Onisimo Yabaki, Sakiusa Nadruku, Peni Matawalu, Joseva Vunisa, Vinaya Habosi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Meli Nakarawa, Joseph Cavu, Esala Nalobo, Alivereti Rabukawaqa, Isoa Vasukilulu, Sireli Kurucake, Neori Racule, Apisai Nagi, Netava Koroisau, Vatili Tora and Tira Welagi.
Glimpses of the glory days of Nadroga were seen, as the Stallions worked hard to fight their way back into the game, and return home with maximum points.
With almost a minute remaining, and the Stallions trailing Namosi, lock Cokaibusa powered his way over the tryline to send the Nadro fans into a celebration mood.
The conversion was taken –– glory for Nadroga, but heart-break for the host. The Stallions choice of using their more explosive and hungrier younger players is paying dividends.
Had Nadroga done this last year, they wouldn’t have lost the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy to Namosi. As an ardent Nadroga fan, I’m pleased with the efforts the Stallions have put in so far, but as their assistant coach Aca Ratuva stated, there’s a lot of work ahead.
Congratulations to Nadro for the hard-fought win, and for leading the Skipper Cup points table!
On the other hand, I salute Naitasiri for coming home with the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy.
Hearty congratulations to Suva and Northland for their wins!
As the Skipper Cup competition takes a break, I plead with Fijians to take precautionary measures and be safe!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam is a regular contributor to this newspaper and the views expressed in this article are his and not necessarily of The Fiji Times.
