After a 12-year wait, the Nasinu Secondary School Under-18 rugby team has advanced beyond the Vodafone Deans Trophy quarterfinal. Coach Semisi Yasiyasi noted that their last appearance in the semifinals was in 2012.
This Saturday, the Southern Zone champions will compete against Cuvu College in the semifinals at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. They earned their spot by defeating Tailevu North College with a score of 17-13 in the quarterfinal round.
Yasiyasi expressed pride in the team’s hard work and dedication, stating, “For the boys to make it to this stage is through sheer hard work and dedication.” He mentioned that while the team is confident, they have chosen to stay humble despite their achievements.
He acknowledged the challenge posed by Cuvu College, who recently managed to upset Ratu Kadavulevu School with a narrow 23-22 victory. “For this week, we’ll work on some areas of our game that need to be perfected,” Yasiyasi added.
Nasinu Secondary School has a storied history of producing talented rugby players, including notable names such as Lemeki Koroi, Setareki Tawake, former France winger Virimi Vakatawa, Sakeo Raloa, and current Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete.
Yasiyasi has appealed for support from former students, as well as parents and guardians, as the team prepares for the crucial semifinal match.