Why we lost? Douglas Tells

The power of the Police forwards had the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) backpedaling forcing them to commit many unforced errors.

This was the gist of RFMF star No.10 Douglas Daveta’s view after their 10-26 loss to defending Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl champions Police at Labasa’s Subrail Park yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, a disappointed Douglas said the pressure during crunch time resulted in them making silly errors.

“Police dominated right from the first whistle with their forwards and they defended strongly pinning us back,” he said.

The RFMF side was coached by Senirusi Seruvakula and assisted by Saiasi Fuli while Police had Solo Nute as head coach.

Douglas was exposed at first five-eight and was the target of the Police loose forwards right from the opening whistle.

Two of Douglas clearing kicks were charged down, resulting in tries to Police flanker Sakiusa Vosayaco and second five-eighth Waisake Ravuiwasa.

Police domination gave veteran Etonia Rokotuisawa the advantage to control the game.

Police rugby players celebrate their Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl win after beating Republic of Fiji Military Forces, 26-10, at Subrail Park, Labasa, on November 21, 2025.

Photo: Sampras Anand

Using the wet weather to their advantage, Rokotuisawa deployed a kicking game where he superbly used many high hanging kicks into the RFMF half where they pressured them into conceding penalties.

He kicked over two conversions and four penalties.

Police tighthead prop Inoke Ravuiwasa told SUNsports, that he was proud of his team-mates because not only did they win but they dominated the game, where they maintained the lead throughout the game.

Ravuiwasa said they managed to keep RFMF guessing by using many variations when on attack.

He said their scrummaging tactics gave them the edge and it enabled them to deny RFMF possession.

“The mission was to deliver to the instructions of our Police Commissioner to win back the pride of the Sukuna Bowl. Our Police Commissioner made it clear he wanted the Sukuna Bowl to be sitting back at Nasova Barracks and we did just that. Our boys have done the job and now we feel relieved.”

Ravuiwasa said to stay consistent in the Ratu Sukuna Bowl defence has now become a norm to them.

“It is in-built in our DNA and it continues to be shouldered by each Police player who plays in the Sukuna challenge.”

“We tried to put in good sets of attack, but, poor ball handling errors cost us the game,” he said.

RFMF tighthead prop Joseva Nasaroa was gracious in defeat.

“We are disappointed with the loss but Police was the better team on the day,” he said.