The Southern Zone Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Deans semi-finals witnessed intense battles at Buckhurst Park in Suva, resulting in the surprising defeat of traditional powerhouses in the under-18 category.
In the 2023 national Deans semi-finals, Suva Grammar School and Marist Brothers High School both experienced setbacks in the Southern Zone semis.
Suva Grammar School was narrowly defeated 22-27 by newcomers Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School, while Marist Brothers High School lost 22-24 to a 13-man Nasinu Secondary School team.
Both matches featured spectacular plays and tries, but they also highlighted issues of indiscipline within the sport.
In the first semifinal between MGM and Grammar, three cards were issued—two yellow and one red—for dangerous tackles and professional fouls.
In the match between Nasinu and Marist, two players from Nasinu received red cards for dangerous tackles, with one incident resulting in a Marist player being taken off the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance for medical attention. Additionally, three yellow cards were issued in that game.
With their victories, MGM and Nasinu secured places in the final and national quarters. Meanwhile, Grammar and Marist will face off for third place, with the winner needing to compete in playoffs in the North.
The winner of the Northern playoffs will then advance to the national competition.