Former Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri has praised both the Yaro Chiefs and Ravuka Sharks for their standout performances during the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament over the weekend. In the lead-up to the cup semi-finals and final, which occurred last Saturday, Tuqiri expressed his admiration for both teams.
“It’s been great; I don’t think one of the local teams has ever won the tournament for a long time now,” Tuqiri remarked. He noted that the Yaro Chiefs were showing potential, while the Ravuka Sharks also made a significant impact throughout the event. He highlighted the strength of local teams, which not only competed fiercely but also secured victories over the Fiji Babas, the shadow national 7s side.
Tuqiri emphasized the importance of such tournaments, as they provide young local players a platform to showcase their talents. He expressed a strong hope that either the Yaro Chiefs or Ravuka Sharks would emerge victorious, stating, “I’m really looking forward to hopefully seeing Yaro or Ravuka take it out.”
Ultimately, the Yaro Chiefs triumphed in the tournament, defeating the Ravuka Sharks 28-12 in a thrilling cup final. The match was particularly dramatic, with the Chiefs initially trailing 0-12 at half-time before rallying to take the lead and secure their victory.
Despite not winning the cup, the Ravuka Sharks impressed many with their performances. The Yadua-based team achieved notable victories, including two wins over the New Zealand Development 7s team in both pool and cup quarter-final matches, and a narrow defeat of the McDonald’s Mike Friday Select 7s team in the cup semi-final, finishing strong and showcasing their talent on a grand stage. This event continues to highlight the growing competitive spirit of local rugby in Fiji, inspiring hope for future victories.
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