The Vodafone Super Deans under-19 semi-final, featuring Naitasiri Secondary School and Queen Victoria School, spiraled into chaos as confusion arose regarding the match’s outcome and rule enforcement. The game ended with both teams tied at 24 points each, leading Naitasiri and its supporters to believe they had advanced to the finals due to their scoring of the first try, as outlined in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) rules.
However, celebrations were cut short when officials declared QVS the winners shortly after the final whistle. The match commissioner clarified to both teams that according to the FSSRU’s Terms of Participation, the team with the most tries would emerge victorious in the event of a tie, and QVS had scored four tries compared to Naitasiri’s three.
This unexpected announcement sparked outrage among Naitasiri supporters, prompting police intervention as parents stormed the field, demanding clarity and accusing the FSSRU of bias. The police had to escort the match commissioner for safety as tensions flared and players called for a rematch.
Navitalai Waiwalu, an FSSRU executive member, confirmed that the rules have been consistently applied over the past year across various zones. He noted that all teams were informed about the regulations prior to the tournament.
Naitasiri’s team manager, Akanisi Liku, accepted the outcome, acknowledging a misunderstanding of the rules. She remarked, “We have accepted the weakness on our part. The rules were discussed during the management meeting, and we may have underestimated the situation. We initially believed that scoring the first try would determine the game in a draw, but the rules are clear.”
During the match, Naitasiri controlled the first half, taking a 17-7 lead with two converted tries and a penalty. They extended their lead to 24-7 in the second half before QVS rallied with three unconverted tries, leveling the final score at 24-all.
The FSSRU’s rules state that in case of a draw at full-time, the determining factors for the winner are as follows: the team with the most tries, followed by the most converted tries, then the team that scored the first try, and finally the team that scored the first points if needed.