Ratu Simione Matanitobua College’s Under-19 rugby team is making history as they prepare for their first national quarterfinal next week after five years competing in the Vodafone Deans Southern Zone competition. Despite their 27-14 defeat against Nasinu Secondary School in the finals on Saturday, captain Samuela Korodrau remains optimistic about their performance in the upcoming match at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.
The team started strong but struggled in the first half, failing to score. Korodrau indicated that many players were nervous playing in front of a large crowd for the first time. “We were not stable in the first half; most of our players were watching the game instead of playing,” he remarked. However, they adjusted their strategy in the second half and managed to score, a testament to their resilience.
As they look ahead to the tough matches in the quarterfinals, Korodrau expressed pride in their journey, stating, “We may be the smallest U19 team in terms of physicality, but I commend our boys for their effort to reach this far.” He also noted the team’s unique training regime, saying they lift sandbags rather than weights and practice on a pitch that is only half the size of a standard rugby field.
The team’s determination and adaptability were highlighted, showing that hard work can yield results regardless of resources. “We have learnt many things in this competition and hope to build on that moving forward,” added Korodrau.
The Southern Zone finals also showcased other competitive matches, with results across various age categories already indicating a dynamic rugby season. The spirit of competition and the emergence of new talent in the sport promise an exciting future for youth rugby in Fiji.
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