The Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship points table leaders Naitasiri walloped Northland 25-9 in their clash at Gatward Park in Korovou, Tailevu, this afternoon. Bad weather marred the ground conditions as both teams struggled to adapt to the slippery surface.
Despite the win Naitasiri captain Sireli Kaloucava said they have a lot of work to do.
“We have to work on our discipline,” Kaloucava said.
“The ground condition was bad due to weather conditions but we had to bring our best game to match it. No excuses we had to work hard against a good Northland side.
“Northland will be travelling to Naluwai in a week’s time and they were trying out their combination. This game is history but we have to put our heads down and work hard from next week.”
What happened: Naitasiri scored the first try through centre Filimoni Waqainabete in the 3rd minute and was converted by Etonia Rokotuisawa for a 7-0 lead. Northland moved the ball around and caught Naitasiri offside. From the penalty in the 11th minute, Joape Dreu converted to narrow the deficit 7-3. Northland captain Manu Laqai was yellow carded in the 14th minute for foul play.
Quick play by Naitasiri saw elusive winger Kaliova Mocetadra took his chance as he dived over in the corner to score their second try and increased their lead to 12-3. Dreu kicked over his second penalty to bring the scores to 12-.6.
Rokotuisawa scored a try right on the half time dot and it was not converted.
Halftime: Northland 6- 17 Naitasiri.
Dreu kicked over this third penalty to bring the scores to 17-9 and Naitasiri replied through a Kini Douglas penalty to make it 20-9. Kaloucava had the last say with their fourth try as the conversion went wide.
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