Building up to today’s thrilling encounter between Police and Army or the prestigious Sukuna Bowl title, fans should expect a tough and enterprising battle at the ANZ Stadium.
The sale of T-shirts, banners and flags is expected to take fans by storm and fans can expect the ANZ national stadium to be a sea of red, green and blue as Army and Police fans will be pouring in huge numbers to witness the ancient rivalry between the forces.
It all looks good and fans can expect ‘fast and furious’ hits that should keep them on the edge of their seats.
Police will be aiming to defend their title in the thrilling encounter while Army will be out to capture lost glory.Both teams have wealth of talent, and I’m predicting a tight one.
Police has been camping at at Nakuruvarua- the home of Nadroga rugby under the watchful eyes of Nadroga coach Esala Nauga.
The Blues have core of the team that thrashed Army last year 32-8, and seasoned campaigners like Ratu Meli Kurisaru, Veremalua Vugakoto, Jolame Luvevou, Seremaia Naureure, Kini Douglas and Joeli Veitayaki will lead the onslaught. Let’s take a look at the Sukuna Bowl clash from 2014.
2014
The prestigious Sukuna Bowl travelled to its new home at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Delainabua as Army defeated Police 18-10 at a packed ANZ Stadium.
It was an exciting clash between the two disciplined forces and kept thousands of diehard rugby fans at the edge of their seats.
Tikilaci Vuibau kicked a penalty for Army, while Vilipe Marakiwai scored a try for Police.
Apisalome Waqatabu kicked a penalty.
Ulaiasi Lawavou scored a try in the second half, but Army replied through two Sunia Bainivalu tries.
Vuibau kicked a penalty for Army, who maintained pressure in the second half and won the title.
2015
Police was the new winner of the Sukuna Bowl after defeating Army 25-17. Police had an explosive start getting field advantage early in the game as Jonetani Ralulu kicked two penalties.
Police tested Army’s defence to its limits, pressurizing them in their own half, and capitalising on their mistakes to further Police’s lead to 12-0.
As Army settled into the game, Tikilaci Vuibau kicked two penalties, and Police led 12-6 at half time.
Two more penalties to Ralulu and Vuibau, before Police was awarded a penalty try for the handsome 22-9 lead.
Army found it hard to penetrate Police’s defensive line, and basic handling errors cost them points.
Veteran hooker Sireli Ledua scored a try, but it was not enough to retain their title as the Savenaca Aria coached Police side scooped the Sukuna Bowl. Their preparation paid off.
2016
Police defended the Sukuna Bowl title beating Army 22-12.
Army got off to a good start scoring the first try from former 7s captain Paula Dranisinukula which was converted by Tikilaci Vuibau for a 7-0 lead. Police settled down slowly in the game.
Nadroga warrior Iliesa Ratuva fought his way through the Army defence to score a try which was converted by Apisalome Waqatabu. Josaia Lotawa then put Army in the lead (12-7) with a try.
A rejuvenated Police side tightened up their defence, and former Nadroga and national 7s player, Mitieli Nacagilevu, scored for Police which Waqatabu converted.
Army fumbled, and lost possession, and Ralulu kicked another penalty.
Nacagilevu was sent to the sin-bin, but Ralulu sealed the deal with a scintillating try.
Coach Savenaca Aria commended the men in blue for sticking to their game plan.
It was back to the drawing board for Army as they came back strong the following year.
2017
The ancient rivalry between Police and Army started with an open challenge.
RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto reminded Army to empty out the tank of talent that God had given them, while Police preferred to be David rather than be Goliath.
Police had big names in Dan Ligairi, Iliesa Ratuva, Samu Bola, Sireli Kaloucava, Inoke Tuisese, Jock Liuta, Jonetani Ralulu, Keponi Paul, Aisea Natoga, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Watisoni Sevutia, Rt Meli Kurisaru, Setefano Samoca, Jerry Naureure, Sailosi Dawai, Etonia Naba and Timoci Sauvoli, while Army banked on Vesi Rarawa, Sireli Ledua, Penijamini Makutu, Manoa Tamaya, Isake Katonibau, Jeke Suguturaga, Sevuloni Lutu, Mesake Tuinamena, Levani Kurimudu, Mateo Qolisese, Aporosa Kenatale, Josefa Basudra and Emosi Mulevoro.
Army beat Police 19- 12 in wet conditions. Captain Isake Katonibau was instrumental as he led his troops to a hard fought victory and upset the star studded Police side.
Usumaki Titoko and Daveta Koroitakali scored Army’s tries while Suguturaga and Mulevoro added extra points from penalties.
Mitieli Nacagilevu scored two tries for Police, and Jonetani Ralulu converted one as Army won their 25th Sukuna Bowl title in style.
2018
In 2018, the theme for the Sukuna Bowl clash was “Zero Tolerance on Violence against Women and Children.”
Police defeated Army 41-17 after dominating play throughout the game giving no chance for the Army side to retaliate.
Police played like men possessed and scored tries through Timoci Sauvoli, Rusiate Matai, Keponi Paul, Apisalome Waqatabu, Josese Kurukavu and player of the match Eremasi Radrodro while Army’s tries were scored by Joseva Levula and Peni Raidre.
Police had the last laugh.
2019
Army flew off to a good start, putting pressure on the defending champion, making them commit errors.
Police had the services of Timoci Sauvoli, Jerry Naureure, Jone Kuruduadua, Necani Nawaqadau, Jone Delana, Sireli Kalounicava, Jone Navori, Eremasi Radrodro, Emosi Vucago, Kini Douglas, Joeli Lutumailagi, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Mesake Tuinamena, Rusiate Matai and Apisalome Waqatabu, while the likes of Vesi Rarawa, Sireli Ledua, Penijamini Makutu, Manoa Tamaya, Peni Naulago, Elia Canakaivata, Vasikeli Mudu, Fili Seru, Leone Nawai, Jone Manu, Levani Kurumudu, John Stewart, Apisalome Vota, Gabby Matakiviwa and Jeke Suguturaga carried Army’s hope.
Suguturaga kicked a penalty which was followed by tries from Rarawa and Kurumudu.
Army led Police 17-3 at the break.
Kaloucava and Inoke Ravuiwasa scored tries for Police, but it was not enough as Army held on. As the dust settled, there was joy in the Army camp.
2020
The theme for last year’s Sukuna Bowl Challenge was “Rise Fiji Rise” as the Sukuna Bowl took a different approach in light of the pandemic- revenue from the gate taking was donated to affected children.
Army took the fi rst step, donating $20k to the cause.
On the other hand, Police outmuscled and overpowered their counterparts from QEB in the main event, and also made a scoop winning cricket, football, netball, volleyball, oldies rugby and athletics.
Police won the FMF Rise Fiji Rise Sukuna Bowl, defeating Army 32-8.
Police did it convincingly, and in clinical fashion capping off 2020 on a high note.
Police led 10-3 at the break after a penalty by Meli Kurisaru and a try by Joseva Kuricuva.
The forwards set up Police’s second try, and then Terio Tamani took a drop goal.
Aporosa Saukuru scored for Police and Apisai Domolailai for Army, but Police had the last laugh as Jone Navori scored a try which was converted by Terio Tamani.
Hence, both teams have prepared well and expectations are high.
It’s Jone Kalouniwai’s fi rst Sukuna Bowl clash as Military Commander, and Army will aim to take the Sukuna Bowl back to Delainabua.
Army will miss the likes of Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Manasa Saulo and Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, but Elia Canakaivata, Esikia Macu, Jone Manu and Ropate Tobu will lead the charge.
Army faces an uphill battle against a star-studded Police side, laced with reps. One can expect the ANZ Stadium to feel the thunder as Army and Police will lock horns.
Wishing Police and Army all the best for this afternoon’s cracker!
- RAJNESH LINGAM is a contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not necessarily of this newspaper or his employer.
