Naitasiri Rugby showcased their impressive strategic depth with a decisive 32–18 victory over Ba in the Skipper Cup quarterfinal held at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Under the guidance of Coach Ilaitia Tuisese, the team adopted a bold rotation strategy, featuring nearly half of the matchday squad different from the previous week. While the game started slowly for Naitasiri, their ability to adapt and respond to pressure demonstrated the strength of their squad.
Ba made a strong early impression, dominating possession and establishing a lead with two penalty kicks from fly-half William Ryland. However, Naitasiri quickly found their footing, with Fiji Water Flying Fijians representative Kavaia Tagivetaua scoring a try in the 13th minute. Although the conversion was missed, this pivotal moment helped shift momentum toward Naitasiri. Following a yellow card to Ba’s Jone Naqiri, Naitasiri capitalized on their numeric advantage, leading to a second try from Sakaraia Soqonakalou.
By halftime, Naitasiri held a 17-6 lead, which was bolstered by a converted try from fullback Senijiale Qiokata. The second half continued to highlight their dominance, with Soqonakalou scoring again alongside a penalty from Etonia Rokotuisawa. Ba managed to get on the scoreboard with a try from Meli Tuvusa, but Naitasiri sealed the match with another unconverted try, culminating in their 32-18 victory.
Coach Tuisese commended his players for their commitment and resilience, acknowledging the effort required as they prepare for the semifinals against Tailevu. The strong community support around Naitasiri is a promising sign of the hope and excitement surrounding the team’s advancement in Fijian rugby.
This victory not only underscores Naitasiri’s talent and squad depth but also highlights the thriving rugby culture in Fiji. The team is now focused on rallying their fans and aiming for triumph in the esteemed Skipper Cup competition.