Analysis:

Nadi and Lautoka set the pace in round six of the 2020 Skipper Cup Premiership competition.

Not only has the jet setters buck the trend by ending Namosi’s unbeaten run and keeping the competition alive, but the 29-12 victory at Prince Charles Park on Friday night was also significant and timely.

And the Maroons defied the odds by winning the battle of the cities beating high flying NOQU Suva 11-7 at Churchill Park yesterday.

With eight rounds to go and competition for survival for 2021 now intensifying, the western rugby giants won when it matters and slowly working towards the top six positions.

This is a sign that the combination of on-and-off the field factors are milking the desired outcomes.

There are so many attributes, be it physical, mental, spiritual or scientific, that makes teams a winning outfit.

And kudos must go the coaching panel and players for sticking to the principles and enduring the tough sessions in the gym and at the training venues five days a week.

The competition enters the halfway stage this weekend and teams need to reload and strategies to avoid being in the bottom two when the competition ends after the 14th round.

Tailevu and Yasawa must try even harder when they host Nadi and Naitasiri respectively this Saturday.

They need to come out of their losing ways and turn things around in round seven.

The teams must show signs of maturity and improvement and must reload and deliver to get the maximum benefit.

The teams must prove that they deserved to be in the competition instead of simply making up the numbers.

When Rugby Turns To Thugby

We thought being issued a red card was the ultimatum for punishing rugby players.

But punching a referee was simply was way over the top and players who commit the offence should find another sport.

Yesterday referee Peni Talemaivalagi was punched by Naitasiri lock forward Keresi Maya in the Under-19 match against Tailevu. The match commissioner had to call off the match with a minute left to play. The referee, who is the younger brother of former World 7s Series referee,  Kaveni Talemaivalagi had a suspected broken nose as a result of the assault.

Again we stress that rugby is a game played by the brave. There is no place for thugs.
Results: Nadi 29-12 Namosi, Naitasiri 16-6 Tailevu, Lautoka 11-7 Suva, Nadroga 33-3 Yasawa

Round Seven Fixtures: Yasawa-Naitasiri, Lautoka-Nadroga, Suva-Namosi, Tailevu-Nadi.

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj