Discipline let Naitasiri down in Skipper U20 final

Poor discipline was Naitasiri’s downfall in their 28-29 loss to Nadi in the Skipper Cup Under-20 final at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.

Naitasiri blew away a 21-8 lead at halftime when winger Josaia Tubuna and loosehead prop Joshua Emosi were yellow carded and Highlanders had to play with 13 men.

This allowed Nadi to crawl their way back into the game with two tries to super sub Joseph Tavai while tighthead prop JD Sivivatu also scored his second try as well. Waisale Rokomatu added the extras through his conversions as they led 29-21. A late rally by Naitasiri resulted in Emosi’s converted try to narrow the deficit 29-28 but it was too late.  

Nadi had a strong start when first-five eighth  Rokomatu kicked over an early penalty for a 3-0 lead.

The big Nadi forwards dominated play as it took Naitasiri time to settle down.

In the 13th minute from a forward drive Nadi took an 8-0 lead when Sivivatu powered his way over the try-line with the conversion going wide.

Naitasiri found their mojo in the final quarter of the first half as they swung the ball out wide. This took its toll on the big Nadi forwards.

From their pick and drive, Naitasiri halfback Maleli Ralulu scored their first try, which was converted by Samuela Rogoci to narrow the deficit 8-7.

Continuous pressure through their pick and drive took the air out of the big Nadi forwards as they struggled to keep up with the pace of the game.

Hard working Naitasiri hooker Kelemete Ligairi from a driving maul crashed his way over the try-line with Rogoci landing the conversion as they led 14-8 for the first time.
Piling on the pressure Nadi scored their third try through No.8 Kaminieli Vosavere with Rogoci adding the extras for a 21-8 lead at halftime