Suva kicked off its 97 Telecom Cup campaign with a lackluster 8-3 victory against Vatukoula in wet conditions at Theodore Park. Led by national representative Mosese Taga, Suva struggled to find their rhythm, with the score tied at 3-3 until the final 10 minutes when they finally crossed the Vatukoula tryline.
The match, attended by around 400 rugby fans, did not showcase the level of performance typically expected from a team of Suva’s caliber. Vatukoula coach Jo Kenatale remarked that the wet conditions played a role in their misfortunes, as his team was prepared to challenge Suva’s powerful forwards throughout the 80 minutes.
Kenatale mentioned that the strategy was to run at Suva’s heavy forwards to tire them out before exploiting the wider play. He noted that the rain in the preceding weeks had contributed to the slippery ground, which oddly aided the Suva forwards in their slow mauling approach.
Despite the challenges, Kenatale commended his young forwards, especially Jone Kaila, for their efforts and highlighted the need for improvement in their rucking and maul work ahead of their upcoming match against Nadi.
Suva’s heavy forwards, featuring Taga, Shane Pickering, and Paula Biu, started strongly, utilizing their rolling maul to gain territory, but the hosts effectively countered their advances on the slick surface. The scoring began with a penalty by Hughes for Suva after Vatukoula conceded an offside, giving Suva a 3-0 lead. Vatukoula then equalized with a long-range penalty from Filipe Tuilawalawala, a soccer representative playing fullback. Suva ultimately secured their win with a try from 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.