Queen Victoria School’s under-19 side will take on Ba Pro Dragons in the last U19 semi-final at Churchill Park, Lautoka, at 2.10pm this Saturday, with school principal Waliki Nasau insisting the Knights are keeping a low profile as they fine-tune a forward-driven game plan to blunt the Dragons’ backline.
“We know their strength lies in the backline, so our preparation has been centred around that,” Nasau told Times Sport, outlining a simple but specific approach. Nasau said QVS will look to use its big forwards to absorb pressure and manufacture opportunities, committing “at least three tacklers before unloading the ball” to try and create an advantage against a side he described as having a potent outside attack.
Nasau acknowledged the stakes and the shift in focus required for a knockout fixture. “It’s a do-or-die match, and the boys know what is expected of them. This will be a completely different ball game compared to previous matches,” he said, stressing discipline and execution will be key as the Knights attempt to control the tempo and deny the Dragons space for their backline moves.
Playing in Ba’s heartland adds another layer of challenge, Nasau admitted, but he remained bullish that his players can rise to the occasion. “We respect Ba Pro Dragons, especially playing on their home ground, which has a strong rugby league history. But we’ll let our performance do the talking on the field,” he said, underlining a measured confidence ahead of the semi-final.
The match marks QVS’s first outing in the western division this season, and Nasau used the occasion to appeal to local supporters. “This is our first outing in the West in 2026, and we’re inviting supporters to come and cheer for the boys. We’re prepared to show the westerners what we have,” he said, urging a strong turnout at Churchill Park to back the Knights as they bid for a place in the final.
The semi-final result will determine who advances to the U19 final of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League competition, with the winner earning the opportunity to contest the title. The Dragons’ home advantage and reputed backline strength set up a tactical clash against QVS’s plan to build from the forwards, making the encounter a key test for both game plans.
As the weekend approaches, QVS has deliberately kept expectations measured and preparation focused on specific match-day scenarios rather than pre-game hype. With the knock-out nature of the fixture and the contrasting strengths on offer, the match at Churchill Park is shaping up to be a decisive and closely watched contest among school rugby circles.
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