The semi-final match of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Super Deans under-19 tournament between Naitasiri Secondary School and Queen Victoria School ended in controversy as confusion arose regarding the application of the rules. The game concluded in a 24-all tie, with Naitasiri celebrating what they believed was a victory based on scoring the first try, in accordance with FSSRU’s Terms of Participation.
However, shortly after, officials declared Queen Victoria School the winners. A match commissioner informed the team managers that under regulation 9.11 of the Terms of Participation, the winner in the case of a draw is the team with the most tries. Queen Victoria School had scored four tries, compared to Naitasiri’s three.
Tensions escalated as Naitasiri’s parents and supporters stormed the field, accusing the FSSRU of bias and demanding answers. Police were called to escort the match commissioner to safety amid the uproar, while players from both teams expressed a desire for a rematch.
FSSRU executive member Navitalai Waiwalu clarified that the rule has been in effect since last year and was discussed with all participating zones. Naitasiri team manager Akanisi Liku later acknowledged the rules and accepted the outcome, noting that there had been an assumption that scoring the first try determined the winner in the event of a tie. Naitasiri had led 17-7 at halftime and increased their lead to 24-7 before Queen Victoria School made a comeback with three unconverted tries to equalize the score.
According to the FSSRU Terms of Participation, in the event of a draw, the winner is determined first by the most tries scored, then by converted tries, followed by the first try, and lastly by the first points scored.