Nadi rugby’s dramatic second-half resurgence, fueled by belief and composure, led them to a thrilling 34-29 victory over the formidable FMF Suva in the Skipper Cup quarter-finals at Churchill Park. Vice president Jeff Tamata highlighted the importance of self-belief and following their established game strategy during his halftime talk, encouraging players to trust in themselves and their system to win over the enthusiastic home crowd.
Despite trailing 20-15 at halftime due to Suva’s potent offense, Nadi showed resilience, overturning the deficit with an explosive second-half performance. Suva dominated the initial 40 minutes with experienced fly-half Enele Malele converting two penalties and scoring two conversions, complemented by tries from Iosefo Namoce and Inoke Ravuiwasa.
In the second half, Malele added three more penalties, extending Suva’s lead before the turning point came in the 64th minute when Nadi’s Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Sailosi Vukalokalo charged through the defense to score a vital try, converted by Laisenia Vakaloloma. This momentum shift invigorated Nadi, with Bolayaca crossing for another try shortly thereafter while Suva played a man down. Tomasi Nawaqa then solidified the victory with a final try in the last minutes.
Tamata expressed gratitude towards his team and the officials, reflecting on the intense preparation and spiritual focus that contributed to their triumph. He acknowledged Suva’s competitive spirit, but emphasized the joy of advancing to the semi-finals, keeping their championship aspirations alive.
The win marks a significant moment for Nadi, not only for this season but as a testament to their fighting spirit and the growing strength within Fijian rugby. Fans are left hopeful for what lies ahead as the Skipper Cup progresses, celebrating their team’s resilience and the thrilling nature of rugby in Fiji.
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