Nasinu Secondary School’s under-18 rugby team is striving for more than just the Vodafone Super Deans trophy. The team aspires to make history by becoming Deans champions, a feat they have yet to accomplish since the competition began.
Having finished as the top-seeded team from the southern zone, Nasinu enters the national quarter-finals as a strong contender. However, the team is focused on taking it one step at a time, aware of the unpredictability of the knockout stage.
They are determined to create a historic moment for their school, starting with today’s quarter-finals against Tailevu North. Captain Rafaele Dagaga emphasized the importance of faith, stating, “We have to put God first in everything we do, especially as we aim to win our first ever Deans title.”
The last occasion Nasinu’s U18 team reached the finals was in 2012, where they were defeated by Queen Victoria School, the institution with the most Deans titles. Dagaga mentioned that the players have been reminded to play for their school, families, supporters, and themselves. He expressed gratitude for their journey so far, highlighting the importance of taking each game as it comes, just as they did in the zone.
The young player from Nukubalavu in Savusavu urged his teammates to respect every opponent, acknowledging that all teams pose a significant threat to their goals. He said, “We know all teams will be thoroughly prepared because everyone trains to win, and no one wants to lose. Tailevu North finished third from the eastern zone, but that’s not a concern; this is the nationals, and it will be a different ball game.”
Nasinu is set to face Tailevu North in the first under-18 quarter-final at 11:40 AM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.