The underdog Nakasi High School U17 team is preparing for a challenging match as they face the seasoned Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) side in the semi-finals of the Vodafone Eastern Zone Secondary School Rugby Union Competition this weekend.
Despite only being in their second year in the competition, Nakasi High School has performed admirably and aims to reach the nationals. Head coach Vitoriano Rakasau acknowledges the difficulty of facing the unbeaten and formidable RKS U17 team.
Rakasau is proud of the team’s progress, which has seen them advance from last year’s quarter-finals to this year’s semi-finals. “In our preparations this week, we have been working on improving our game structure, set pieces, and most importantly, our defence line,” he said. “RKS is a strong team with good attack and defence, so we know it won’t be an easy match.”
Although there were injuries in the last game, Rakasau assures that the players are fit and ready for this crucial contest. “We had a few injuries from our last game, but the boys are now fit and ready for this crucial match. I was considering playing some of our second-string players, but the boys are eager to be part of this action.”
Nakasi High School, traditionally known more for academics than sports, has been making significant strides in athletics and now rugby, with many players also participating in the Coca-Cola Games this year. “We have a few players that took part in the Coca-Cola games, so we have fast players on our team,” Rakasau added.
“Our main goal is to reach the nationals and get the win. I’m calling on all Nakasi High School supporters and alumni to come out and cheer us on. Your support means everything to us and will help us reach our goal.”
Nakasi High School will take on RKS at 3:10 p.m. on Saturday at TNC grounds.