‘We’re going in as underdogs’
Rt Latianara defeated Adi Cakobau School, 12-10, in the semi-final last Saturday at Buckhurst Park, Suva.
Wednesday 20 August 2025 | 05:00
Ratu Latianara College after they defeated the defending champions, Sigatoka Methodist College.
Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai
Ratu Latianara College has opted for the underdog tag as they prepare to face defending champions, Sigatoka Methodist College.
The two teams will face-off in the Weet-Bix Raluve Under-16 finals at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.
Rt Latianara defeated Adi Cakobau School, 12-10, in the semi-final last Saturday at Buckhurst Park, Suva.
Head coach Seru Vidika Kuriyalavou thanked his side for pulling through to the finals.
“We try to train under pressure,” he said.
‘There’s a saying - you train the way you play and you play the way you train; the girls are being conditioned to play full 50 minutes of rugby.
“We all know in the history of Raluve, SMC have done it three years in a row.
“We are going in as the underdogs.”
Kuriyalavou said the value of their team was based on simplicity and humbleness.
“We respect Sigatoka Methodist, they are a champion team.
“We will try and solve every weaknesses in our training and come strongly. I believe that my girls will be prepared for the challenge.”
Kuriyalavou indicated their captain Jennifer Elizabeth might miss the final after she was cited a red card during the semis.
“We’ll try to work out on our tackling techniques and try to improve on that making sure that we do not repeat the same mistake.
“If fortunately, if he plays again, given a chance, we will see if where we can go from there.”
He acknowledged the support of the vanua of Serua, the villages, communities and the backing of Nanuku Resort and Post Fiji.
“The team has been camping for almost a month now, with the support of the vanua, with the Vunivalu leading the charge, the school principal, teachers, family and parents have been there since the first day,” Kuriyalavou added.
“Without God and this support system, I believe this win would not have been possible.”
“Nanuku Resort stepped in the last minute and it has boosted the morale of the girls to showcase their best during the game.”
The match will kick-off at 10:40am.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
