Marist Brothers High School under-17 head coach Jonetani Rika expressed confidence ahead of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Super Deans finals this weekend. The team, known as the Kaunikuila boys, will compete against the highly regarded Ratu Kadavulevu School in the U17 final.
Marist secured their place in the final after a narrow 17-15 victory over Queen Victoria School in the semi-finals. Rika noted that the team had previously played a warm-up match against RKS, which gives them an advantage as they head into the final, stating, “We are not going in blind.”
Rika emphasized that the outcome of the game will hinge on which team arrives physically and mentally prepared. He acknowledged the strength of their opponents but mentioned the importance of focusing on their own performance.
The team has also received guidance from Fijiana 7s head coach Saiasi Fuli, who shared encouraging words with the players following their semi-final success.
Marist will face Ratu Kadavulevu School on Saturday at 12:50 PM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.