The Suva versus Nadroga match in round one of the Skipper Cup competition was billed as the weekend’s biggest blockbuster, and I’m glad it lived that way.
Prior to the kick-off, both teams had prepared well, and the defending champion were wary of the young side that Nadroga had brought from the Coral Coast.
In the article titled ‘Suva ready for Nadroga’ (FT: 10/04), Noa Biudole covered Suva’s preparation for the important battle.
This is what Suva skipper James Brown had to say, “Nadro’s reputation speaks for itself and have always been one of the top teams in provincial rugby. We are not underestimating them, nor taking them lightly.
Key for us is to stick to our own game plans and execute the way we want to play the game.”
In my article titled ‘Stallions face uphill battle in the new season’ (FT: 08/04), I had stated that if Nadroga had the desire to beat Suva, they had a few lessons from the Highlanders victory against the Crusaders at Orangetheory Stadium.
I had stated that Nadroga must give opportunities to the new boys, and unearth more talents via its local league the Nadroga Super Rugby competition.
I had also stated that Nadroga needed a fiery start, and I was pleased with the outcome of the battle against the blue brigade at the ANZ Stadium.
It looks like that the days of restoring victory have come back to bring joy and delight to ardent Nadroga fans.
The Stallions stepped up in training, and the players were reminded to be on their utmost best.
Reflecting on last season’s performance, one thing that was common was Nadroga’s fitness and discipline, and this, I’m glad, has been the focus ahead of the new season.
Suva had named big guns like Mateo Qolisese, Tevita Ikanivere, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Elia Canakaivata, James Brown, Jone Vatuwaliwali, Ratu Meli Kurisaru, Misaele Petero, Enele Malele, Lino Vasuinadi, Terio Tamani and Setareki Raoba, while the Stallions had a relatively young squad in Timoci Sauvoli, Nedlyt Grant, Jone Koroiduadua, Josaia Cokaibusa, Napolioni Nakewa, Joji Kunavula, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Taitusi Lulusinu, Peni Kadralevu, Avimeleki Nadeba, Kelemedi Navucu, Viliame Nalolo, Mesake Tuinamena, Panapasa Qeruqeru, Ratunaisa Navuma and Eremasi Radrodro. Qeruqeru starred as Nadroga beat Suva.
He lit up the ANZ Stadium with two late tries as the Stallions edged Suva 25-17.
Peni Kadralevu and Kelemedi Navucu scored the other tries for Nadroga in the sweet win.
The Stallions finally took revenge for their previous loss against Suva at the ANZ Stadium.
Vinaka vakalevu team Nadro for bringing the much-needed happiness, and I look forward to a robust Skipper Cup season. Hakwa Nadro!
