SUVA kicked off its 97 Telecom Cup campaign with a lackluster 8-3 victory over Vatukoula at a soggy Theodore Park in Vatukoula. The match showcased a disappointing performance from the Suva team, which kept the score tied at 3-3 until the final 10 minutes when their forwards managed to break through the Vatukoula defense.
Around 400 fans attended the game, which did not meet the expectations typically associated with a seasoned squad like Suva. Vatukoula’s coach, Jo Kenatale, attributed the outcome to the unfavorable weather conditions, stating that his team was prepared to take on Suva’s larger forwards.
Kenatale mentioned, “During our training this week, I emphasized to the players that we needed to tire out Suva’s big forwards before exploiting the ball out wide.” He explained that the recent rain had created challenging conditions on the pitch, which played to the advantage of Suva’s forwards, who employed a slow, physical style of play.
Despite the loss, Kenatale commended the performance of his young forwards, led by former Rewa representative Jone Kaila, and highlighted the need for improvement in their rucking and mauling ahead of their next match against Nadi.
Suva’s heavy forwards, including Taga, Shane Pickering, and Paula Biu, aimed to control the match with their rolling maul but faced challenges as Vatukoula effectively utilized the slippery surface to halt their advances. The scoring opened with a penalty from Hughes after Vatukoula was caught offside, leading to a 3-0 advantage for Suva. Vatukoula equalized with a long-range penalty from Filipe Tuilawalawala, who was playing at fullback.
The decisive try for Suva came from Inoke Male, securing their win.
The team lineups 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.