Grit carry Nasinu to Deans U18 semi-final showdown

All of the Under -18 teams in the semi-finals of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union's (FSSRU) Vodafone Deans Trophy competition have an equal chance of winning the prestigious title.

Nasinu Secondary School (NSS) principal Naisa Cama Toko said they are all favourites.

In the first semi-final, Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) will take on Suva Grammar School while Natabua High School will battle Nasinu.

"Whoever turns up to play on the day and makes use of the opportunity will win," Toko said.

"They all have equal chances."

Nasinu fought hard through the play-offs to qualify for the quarterfinal. Toko believes it has been beneficial for them in many ways.

"The advantage of having an extra match, it gives us game time and also match fitness," he said.

"That extra game against Nabala Secondary School was important because it gave us that edge."

Toko said Nasinu Secondary was fortunate to have survived and made it this far.

In the quarterfinal, they drew 20-20 with defending champions Queen Victoria School but qualified for the semifinal because they scored the first try (as per competition rules).

"Every game to us is a blessing and we thank the Lord for His provision," Toko said.

"We were so lucky last week against QVS who was a very good side. We just won because of the Lord's help."

Toko said they have a lot of respect for their Western opponent Natabua High School.

"They (Natabua High School) showed it against Marist as they are a champion side and one of the best teams in the country. Even this week, we'll take every game one at a time," Toko said.

"For us we have nothing to lose, we'll go and enjoy ourselves.

We'll give it our best and see how it goes," he added.

The Vodafone Deans Trophy Under 18 semi-finals will take place at the HFC Stadium.