Nasinu Secondary School’s Under-15 rugby league side have entered the final preparation phase ahead of a semi-final against top-ranked Ratu Kadavulevu School at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday, with coach Dan Vakamoce stressing the squad has focused on steady, structured work and clear defensive fixes since their quarter-final.
“Preparation is going normal as what we started off with,” Vakamoce said, describing a campaign built on consistency from the opening week. The coach said a detailed review of their quarter-final highlighted defensive discipline as the primary area for improvement. “We analysed our game and there’s a lot of improvement needed in our defence, so we have worked on it,” he added, noting training sessions have been tailored toward tackling technique, line speed and defensive communication.
Weather and ground conditions have also played a role in shaping the week’s sessions, with Vakamoce acknowledging that fluctuating conditions forced the team to adapt its training plans. “The weather and ground conditions have been a challenge for us,” he admitted. “As for the West, we’ll have to wait and see what Saturday brings.” Coaches have adjusted drills and contingency plans so the players are comfortable executing game plans whether the surface is firm or soggy.
The semi-final represents a tough assignment: Nasinu advanced as the third-placed side from the Southern Eastern zone while Ratu Kadavulevu School entered the knockout stages as the zone leaders. Vakamoce remains optimistic that discipline and execution can bridge the rankings gap. “Only the team that plays a good game and executes the right skills will win,” he said, framing the match as one that will be decided on fundamentals rather than reputations.
Vakamoce praised the response from his charges since the quarter-final, saying the squad had shown renewed commitment in training. “The boys have been really committed, and we know that we need a huge improvement to reach this far,” he said, pointing to visible gains in effort and focus across recent sessions.
Team captain Taniela Naiyabo added a public call for support, urging fans, former students and rugby league followers to turn out at Churchill Park and back the Panthers as they chase a place in the final. With a semi-final berth on the line, Nasinu will look to carry the improvements made this week into match conditions against a well-drilled RKS side on Saturday.
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