The semi-final match of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Super Deans under-19 competition between Naitasiri Secondary School and Queen Victoria School experienced significant confusion regarding the outcome and the application of the rules. The match concluded with both teams tied at 24-24, leading Naitasiri’s supporters to celebrate, believing they had advanced to the final due to having scored the first try, as per the FSSRU’s Terms of Participation.
However, shortly after the final whistle, Queen Victoria School’s players celebrated as officials declared them the winners. The match commissioner clarified to the managers of both teams that, according to the rules, the winner is determined by the number of tries scored in the event of a draw. QVS had scored four tries while Naitasiri had three, thus securing their advancement.
The situation escalated, prompting police intervention as Naitasiri’s parents and supporters contested the decision, alleging bias on the part of the FSSRU. Officers had to escort the match commissioner to safety amid rising tensions, while players from both teams called for a rematch.
Navitalai Waiwalu, an executive member of the FSSRU, explained that the rule had been applied consistently since the previous year and was communicated to all relevant zones. Naitasiri’s team manager, Akanisi Liku, acknowledged their misunderstanding of the rules but accepted the outcome. She noted that the rules had been discussed in management meetings, and their team had assumed that scoring the first try would be decisive, which was not the case according to the regulations.
Naitasiri initially led the match with a score of 17-7 at halftime, having produced two converted tries alongside a penalty. They extended their lead to 24-7 in the second half before QVS mounted a comeback with three unconverted tries, finalizing the score at 24 all.