We’ll treat play-off like a final: Captain

Marist Brothers High School’s Under-17 side will not underestimate their Northern opponents as they aim to secure a place in the national quarterfinals.

The team earned the Southern Zone’s third qualifying spot after defeating Naitasiri Secondary School 41-19 in the third-place play-off at the Suva Grammar School grounds on Saturday.

Marist will now face Savusavu Secondary School in the national third-place play-off on Saturday.

MBHS U17 captain Isikeli Verevukivuki credited the team’s improved structure for the convincing victory.

“We’re definitely looking forward to the play-off in the North,” the 17-year-old prop said.

“We thank everyone who has supported us. I believe our team structure really came together because that was something we struggled with in our previous games.

“We also managed to lift the pace of the game, and our forwards and backs coordinated well.”

The young MBHS side expects a tough challenge but are determined to approach the match with the same intensity as a championship final.

“We’re going to treat this game like the Deans final,” Verevukivuki said.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. Even though it’s a team from the North, we’ll respect them and give them a good game.”

Verevukivuki also hopes to earn a place in the Fijian Drua development squad this year. The promising forward looks up to Flying Fijians flanker Levani Botia as his rugby idol.

Southern Zone results:

3rd place play-offs

Under-14: Marist Brothers High School 15-21 Nasinu Secondary School, U15: Gospel High School 11-15 NSS, U16: MBHS 18-22 Suva Grammar School, U17: MBHS 41-19 Naitasiri Secondary School, U19: RSMC 17-5 AOG, U18: RSMS 21-7 MBHS.

Finals:

U14: MGM 20-10 SGS, U15: SGS 24-17 MBHS, U16: MGM 19-12 NSS, U17: GHS 22-23 SGS, U19: SGS 25-19 NSS, U18: SGS 29-22 NSS.

Raluve: U16: NSS 15-7 SGS, U18: Lomary 18-0 MGM