Natabua High School’s Under-18 side will face Nasinu Secondary School in Saturday’s Vodafone Deans Trophy semi-final after advancing from last weekend’s quarter-final win. Branded the “battle of the underdogs,” both teams have exceeded expectations this tournament and will be fighting for a place in the national final.
Natabua captain Suliasi Totopo urged supporters to turn out and back the team. “We are happy and excited to face a strong team like Nasinu next week, and we are calling to all our supporters and people in the western division to come support the team,” he said, acknowledging the semis will be tougher than their previous match but expressing confidence that his side is ready.
Nasinu arrive in the semi-finals on the back of a strong campaign and a wider push in recent seasons to re-establish themselves at the Deans level; the school last featured in a Deans final in 2012. With both teams labelled underdogs, the tie is expected to be decided by discipline, determination and which side can maintain intensity across the full 70 minutes.
Match details: the Deans Trophy U18 semi-finals are on Saturday and will be shown live on FBC Sports and FBC 2.
Additional comments and context:
– The semi-final stage raises the stakes: consistency, conditioning and set-piece control often decide knockout matches at this level. Expect coaches to emphasise fitness and communication during the week.
– Strong crowd support can be decisive in close school matches—Totopo’s call for Western Division backing could give Natabua a real lift.
– Nasinu’s recent resurgence and Natabua’s momentum make this a compelling clash for neutral fans and a good barometer for both schools’ development programs.
Brief summary:
Natabua U18, fresh from a quarter-final win, meet in-form Nasinu in a Saturday Deans semi-final. Captain Suliasi Totopo has called for strong fan support. The match will be broadcast live on FBC Sports and FBC 2.
Hopeful spin:
Whichever team advances, the match highlights the depth of school rugby talent and the positive trajectory of both programs—boosting player pathways and community pride in Fijian youth rugby.
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