Suva began its campaign for the 97 Telecom Cup with a lackluster 8-3 victory over Vatukoula at a wet Theodore Park in Vatukoula. Under the leadership of national representative Mosese Taga, Suva struggled to find their rhythm, with the score remaining tied at 3-3 until the final 10 minutes, when Suva’s forwards managed to push across the Vatukoula try line.
The match drew a crowd of approximately 400 fans, but the performance did not meet the high standards expected from a seasoned team like Suva. Vatukoula’s coach, Jo Kenatale, noted that the rainy conditions hindered their ability to compete effectively, even though they had prepared to challenge Suva’s larger forwards throughout the game.
Kenatale remarked, “I told my boys that the only way to halt Suva was to run against their big forwards and wear them down before spreading the ball wide.” He added that the rain in the weeks leading up to the game resulted in heavy ground conditions, which favored Suva’s slower, mauling style of play.
Despite the challenges, Kenatale commended his young forwards, particularly Jone Kaila, for their strong performance and emphasized the need to enhance their rucking and mauls in preparation for their next match against Nadi.
Suva’s heavy forwards, including Taga, Shane Pickering, and Paula Biu, made a strong start by utilizing their rolling maul effectively, though they faced setbacks as Vatukoula adapted to the slippery ground conditions.
The scoring was opened by Hughes, who successfully converted a penalty after Vatukoula was penalized for offside, giving Suva a 3-0 lead. Vatukoula responded with a penalty from long distance, taken by soccer representative Filipe Tuilawalawala, leveling the score at 3-3. Ultimately, the winning try for Suva was secured by Inoke Male.
The teams for the match 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.