Discipline was the hallmark of the Nasinu rugby team as they beat Northern Bulls 18-9 in the Vodafone Vanua Challenge at the FNU ground in Nasinu yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, Nasinu coach Sailosi Naiteqe Snr said discipline was something they had been working on with the players.

“I’ve told the players that if they are discipline off the field then it will come when they are on the field,” he said.

“It is discipline and playing to the last whistle was what we saw today. From my years of experience as a referee, trainer and now coach, has helped me to assist the players on the importance of playing according to the law of the game.”

What happened: Northern Bulls dominated play right from the opening whistle as their forwards took play into the Nasinu territory. In the 11th minute Bulls took a 3-0 lead from a Sakaraia Nadakuca penalty.

The lead was short-lived when Nasinu winger Tomasi Bulai kicked in a penalty as Bulls were penalised for a high tackle on Nasinu halfback Wilisoni Korovueti. Bulls took control of the ball with their forwards driving their way to the tryline only to be held back by the Nasinu defence. In the 23rd minute Nasinu’s Jale Nabuta copped a yellow card for tripping and Nadakuca slotted in their second penalty. Moments later, he extended their lead to 9-3 with his third penalty.

Nasinu began to settle down with Korovueti dictating play as they took play into Bulls territory. Bulai narrowed the deficit to 9- 6 from his second penalty.  Bulls lost concentration as their halfback Lote Rakuvau was sin-binned for dangerous play.

With that advantage, the Nasinu forwards kept on the momentum and got a penalty try after the Bulls collapsed the scrum when driven back.

Halftime: Bulls 9-13 Nasinu.

Nasinu came out firing in the second spell as both coaches sent in their substitutes. Backed by their fans, Bulls turned things around as they camped close to the Nasinu try line only to be denied by wrong options or losing the ball during crucial moments.

Tempers began to flare as play was held up while police moved in to arrest two fans and a reserve player from the Bulls bench Referee Ramasi Koroi had to red card Nadakuca and Nasinu centre Meli Vula.

Right on full time a late surge by the Nasinu forwards saw the ball spun out to the backs with winger Savenaca Naqaliva diving over to score in the corner.

Star turn: Nasinu lanky fullback Timosi Sunabuka was cool under pressure and made several runs through the Bull defence.

Comments:

Northern Bulls manager Ratu Peni Sauturaga said: “Our focus is on developing our young people.

“We fielded young players today while we have a few veterans still playing. As time goes on these young players will continue and take over from the older players.”

OTHER RESULTS:

Cakaudrove 23-11, Serua 17-16 Ovalau, Lautoka 16-13 Nanukuloa, Ra 10-32 Navosa, Tavua 19-14 Ba