In my letter to the editor titled ‘Skipper Cup thriller’ (FT: 22/08), I alluded to the words of our veteran journalist Maikeli Seru, who in his article (FT: 20/08) mentioned that wounded Stallions were potentially very dangerous.
He made this remark prior to the Nadi vs Nadroga clash and in particular when the Stallions were hurt from the (9-6) loss at the hands of Naitasiri which sneaked ahead courtesy of the boots of pivotal Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
The heart-breaking loss in front of their passionate fans reignited the Stallions as they smashed Nadi 29-13 at Prince Charles Park and then walloped Yasawa 33-13 at Lawaqa Park.
Last week, the mighty Stallions fought bravely to beat the Maroons 10-8 away from home.
The Maroons had the previous week skinned the blue brigade from Suva. Hence, after the completion of round one, Nadroga leads the Skipper Cup points table. The Stallions have unveiled their winning combination, but this week they will face a fired-up Suva outfit which is keen to stamp its mark on the Skipper Cup points table.
Last Saturday, Suva, with a power-packed side and boasting big names in Tevita Ikanivere, Manasa Saulo, former Stallions Manoa Tamaya and Ratu Penijamini Makutu, Filimoni Seru, 7s captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Taniela Sadrugu, James Brown, Leone Nawai, Jone Manu, Keponi Paul, Serupepeli Vularika, courageous captain John Stewart, Enele Malele and Apisalome Vota, crushed the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy holders Namosi 37-12 in a one-side affair as it rained tries.
Namosi had players such as Aseri Robarobalevu, Jone Naqiri, Alivereti Rabukawaqa, Apakuki Viaviri, Kelepi Naimasi, Peni Matawalu, Cyril Reece, Vinaya Habosi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Onisi Ratave and former Stallions Seru Cakobau and Alifereti Veitokani.
While Suva had a comfortable ride at home, Nadroga had to dig deep to beat a resurgent Lautoka outfit led by the likes of Isoa Vasukilulu, Ilaisa Leca, Samuela Suguturaga, Timoci Vudreu, Jone Qauqau, Opeti Ratucati, Peniasi Vuniyayawa and Waisea Luveniyali.
The Stallions, with players such as Jone Koroiduadua, veteran Setefano Somoca, Sailosi Dawai, Jone Navori, former 7s sensation and Olympian Jasa Veremalua, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Joseva Kuricuva, Jiuta Lutumailagi, former Flying Fijian Napolioni Nalaga, 7s star Isoa Tabu, Apisalome Waqatabu, and veterans Emosi Vucago and Jonetani Ralulu, had to rely on a last-minute penalty via Apisalome Waqatabu’s boots to avoid defeat at the Churchill Park.
Nadroga and Suva met in the first match of round one in the double-header at the Lawaqa Park and the battle signaled the beginning of the thrilling and exciting Skipper Cup matches.
The much-anticipated battle that fans had been craving up for lived up to expectations as the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy holder faced back-to-back Skipper Cup champion Suva which, ironically, had defeated the Stallions in both finals 36-35 and 34-26 respectively. Nadroga president Tiko Matawalu said Nadroga was aware of the threat Suva brought to the table and he reminded his players that it was the opportunity that they had been waiting for.
Timoci Sauvoli, Ratunaisa Navuma, Jone Koroiduadua, Sailosi Dawai, Rupeni Nasiga, Aca Simolo, Eremasi Radrodro, Jone Navori, Josefa Kuricuva, Josese Kurukavu, Napolioni Nalaga, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Jonetani Vasurakuta, Joeli Lutumailagi, Apisalome Waqatabu, Jonetani Kunavula, Apete Salawaqavuka, Taniela Vatunicoko, Ulaiasi Lewavou, Ratu Naiqama Salakibulu, Sakiusa Gavidi, Sakiusa Nakalevu and Savenaca Navuniharau were up against players such as Livai Natave, Sireli Ledua, Vesi Rarawa, James Brown, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Elia Canakaivata, Filimoni Seru, Leone Nawai, Jone Manu, John Stewart, Apisalome Vota, Petero Misaele, Enele Malele, Tevita Ikanivere, Apisai Vatubuli, Meli Tuni, Peni Tuiteci, Taniela Sadrugu, Joseva Vesikara, Setareki Raoba, and former Stallions Vasikali Mudu, Levani Kurumudu and Ratu Meli Kurisaru. Nadroga retained their Farebrother title after edging Suva 15-13.
The hosts were trailing 8-13 when they were awarded a penalty try in the last second of the match to steal the victory from the Capital City side. As tension built, Suva drew first blood with a try from my man-of the match Jone Manu to give the capital side a handy 5-0 lead.
The Stallions replied with a penalty kick from Apisalome Waqatabu and a try from half back Josefa Kuricuva (right at the half-time dot) as the Stallions took a well-deserved 8-5 lead at the break. In the second spell, Suva levelled terms through a Setareki Raoba penalty to make it 8-all and then the visitors patience paid off with an individual brilliance from Jone Manu to give Suva a 13-8 lead with 13 minutes remaining.
The referee was at the centre of controversy as he awarded Nadroga a penalty-try, late into extra time but the Stallions were commended for absorbing the Suva onslaught and then producing that magical moment that broke thousands of Suva hearts.
As the Stallions prepare to face Suva on Saturday at the ANZ Stadium, a lot will be at stake and the winner of the Suva vs Nadroga clash will have a firm grip on the Skipper Cup points table. Since BLK Nadroga is getting into the rhythm of the Skipper Cup competition, John Stewart and his blue brigade must prepare well for the battle on Saturday!
I know our journalists Maikeli Seru will have a tough time deciding his allegiance as Suva hosts Nadroga while Waisale Koroiwasa will hope for a Suva win.
I wish the Stallions all the best for this week’s cracker.
* Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam is a regular contributor to this newspaper and the views expressed in this article are his and not of The Fiji Times.
