Defending champions Natabua High School are bracing for a tougher test as the Weet-Bix Raluve U18 nationals reach the semi-finals this Saturday, with the Lautoka-based team set to face Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School in a clash that could decide the title contenders.
Natabua trailed for much of the quarter-final two weeks ago but fought back to edge Adi Cakobau School 12-7, earning a spot in the semi-finals and another shot at defending their crown. Team manager Rigieta Radrodro said the squad has been sharpening the basics to meet the elevated level of competition this stage of the tournament demands, noting that rugby continues to evolve and the challenges will only get tougher.
This season has been about resilience for Natabua. A striking 80 percent of the players from last year’s championship-winning squad have departed — either through graduation or transfers — leaving only about a fifth of the team from the previous year. Yet the new lineup has stepped up, with Radrodro confident they can carry Lautoka’s pride into the semi-finals despite the upheaval.
The club has called on their loyal supporters to rally behind them, including students, staff, teachers, and alumni known as the Lonehats, as Natabua pursues a place in the finals. The backing from the Natabua community has been a consistent pillar of their run, and this weekend’s matches are another opportunity to showcase the school’s strength and spirit.
In the Raluve semi-finals, Natabua will take on Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School at 2:20pm at the HFC Bank Stadium. Earlier, Jasper Williams High School will meet Muaniweni College at 1:30pm at Buckhurst Park. The Vodafone Super Deans U18 semi-finals will also be decided at the same venue with Natabua facing Nasinu Secondary School at 3:30pm, and Suva Grammar School taking on Ratu Kadavulevu School at 5:00pm. The Deans and Raluve semi-finals are scheduled to be played across the HFC Bank Stadium, Buckhurst Park, and Bidesi Ground this Saturday, marking a pivotal day for Fiji’s high school rugby talents.
What to watch: Natabua’s blend of a largely new squad and seasoned leadership will be tested by a Mahatma Gandhi Memorial side that will surely be aiming to disrupt the defending champions’ rhythm. If Natabua can execute the basics under pressure and maintain their defensive discipline, they’ll present a formidable challenge as they chase a return to the finals.
Summary: Natabua High School enters the semi-finals with a renewed focus, a largely rebuilt lineup, and strong community support as they strive to defend their U18 Raluve title against Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, while the other semi-finals around Suva add to what promises to be an exciting weekend of high school rugby.
Additional notes:
– The weekend schedule highlights the multi-venue format of the semifinals, underscoring the breadth of Fiji’s high school rugby program.
– The narrative of rebuilding around a core belief in fundamentals is a common thread in Natabua’s recent coverage, reflecting a strategic approach to sustaining success even with significant player turnover.
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