The semi-final match of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Super Deans under-19 championship between Naitasiri Secondary School and Queen Victoria School ended in confusion over the rules and the final result. The game concluded with both teams tied at 24-24, leading Naitasiri players and their supporters to believe they had earned a place in next week’s final due to scoring the first try.
However, shortly afterward, Queen Victoria School celebrated after officials declared them the victors. The match commissioner informed the team managers that under the FSSRU’s Terms of Participation, specifically rule 9.11, the team with the most tries wins in the event of a draw. QVS scored four tries, while Naitasiri managed three.
Tensions escalated as Naitasiri supporters entered the field, demanding an explanation and accusing the FSSRU of bias and corruption. The police were called to escort the match commissioner from Bidesi Park to the control room amid the turmoil, as players from both teams suggested a rematch.
Navitalai Waiwalu, an executive member of the FSSRU, clarified that the application of the rules has been consistent since last year and that all participating zones had been consulted regarding the rules.
Naitasiri team manager Akanisi Liku acknowledged the confusion but accepted the outcome. She noted, “We have accepted the weakness on our part. The rules were discussed during the management meeting, and perhaps we took the game lightly. We thought the team that scores the first try wins in a draw, but the rules are clearly stated, and they stand.”
During the match, Naitasiri held a significant lead of 17-7 at halftime after scoring two converted tries and a penalty. They added another converted try in the second half to lead 24-7, but Queen Victoria School mounted a comeback, scoring three unconverted tries to level the game.
According to FSSRU rules, in the event of a tie, the winner is determined first by the number of tries scored, then by converted tries, followed by the first try, and finally the first points scored.