SUVA kicked off its 97 Telecom Cup campaign with a less than stellar 8-3 victory over Vatukoula at the Theodore Park, which was wet and slippery. Despite the win, the performance left much to be desired, as the match remained tied at 3-3 until the final 10 minutes when Suva’s forwards managed to push through for a try.
Approximately 400 passionate rugby fans attended the match, which did not meet the typical expectations for the experienced Suva team. Vatukoula’s coach, Jo Kenatale, expressed disappointment at the result, citing the adverse weather conditions as a factor in their performance. He noted that they were prepared to counter Suva’s powerful forwards throughout the match but were ultimately hindered by the field conditions.
Kenatale revealed that the team’s strategy had been to tire out Suva’s larger players by engaging them in open play, but the heavy rain in the weeks leading up to the game created a ground that favored Suva’s slower mauling tactics. However, he commended his younger forwards, particularly Jone Kaila, for their resilience and acknowledged the need for improvements in rucking and mauling ahead of their next encounter with Nadi.
The match saw Suva’s heavy forwards, including Taga, Shane Pickering, and Paula Biu, make a strong start, leveraging their rolling maul to gain yardage, though Vatukoula’s defense effectively countered their efforts due to the slippery pitch.
The scoring opened with a penalty from Suva’s Hughes after Vatukoula was penalized for offside, putting Suva ahead 3-0. Vatukoula responded with a long-range penalty from soccer representative Filipe Tuilawalawala, leveling the score at 3-3. Suva ultimately secured the win with a try from Inoke Male.
The lineups for the teams were as follows:
Suva – Taga, Biu, Pickering, Jo Waqavolavola, Osea Waqavou, Soro, Waqanivere, Male, Aminisitai Seru, Hughes, Adrole, Matakibau, Ratulevu.
Vatukoula – Nemani, Usaia, Taione, Vereimi, Paula Hicks, Sele, Jone Kaila, Eddie, Tomasi Raniu, Jerry, Waisea Turaga, Abele Drugu, Penaia, Iliesa, Filipe Tuilawalawala.