It was our last chance to get a spot in Scotland - Seruvakula

It was our last chance to get a spot in Scotland - Seruvakula

By Alipate Narawa
Sunday 03/03/2024
[Image: Facebook - Oceania Rugby]

It was a pretty tough game against Tonga as it was our last chance to get a spot in Scotland.

Ravuama Seruvakula highlighted this after they defeated Tonga 40-14 in the Oceania U20s Challenge at North Harbour Stadium.

The Samoan born Seruvakula says their mindset was to get the line speed up and to pressure the Tongan team.

Samoa looked free playing a physical and fast-paced brand of rugby, adding another chapter to a great rivalry between the two island nations.

Samoa earned a penalty goal to open the match, but Tonga’s physicality pushed them past the try line in the first five minutes.

Prop Harry Hanipale answered back, charging through for Samoa’s first try, which was the start of a dominant performance from the men in white and blue.

On the attack, Samoa’s Captain Wally Vesi made big moves, with his dazzling footwork leaving Tonga’s defence scrambling.

Winger Panaua Niulevaea found the left edge for Samoa’s second try off the back of some superb playmaking from Vesi.

And in the 30th minute, Vesi was rewarded for his great play by crossing the line for his own five points.

Tonga received a setback in the 50th minute when their winger, Fotofili Mahe, was yellow carded for his involvement in a scuffle.

Samoa capitalised on this with an easy three points in front of the goal posts.

Tonga didn’t give up, desperate to make metres, they hustled but at times weren’t able to realise their full potential and lost the ball.

Samoa’s relentless defence throughout multiple phases prevented Tonga from making progress even as they hovered over their try line.

There was no denying the heart of Tonga as they continued to fight as Tutu’ila Taulava scored off the back of a good lineout and a determined effort in the rolling maul.

But in the end, Samoa came out on a mission and executed their opportunities.

Tonga Captain Siasofi Tohi said, “It was really disappointing, I know the boys really wanted to win.”

Tohi says he is proud of the boys, even though they didn’t make it, he knows for sure they will die for their country, that’s all they can give.

The Junior Manu Samoa will travel to Scotland in July to compete at the World Rugby Trophy U20 Trophy 2024.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
2 out 3 of women in every church in Fiji experience domestic violence – Rev. Bhagwan
2 out of 3 women in every church in Fiji experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and there are uncomfortable truths that need to be ...
6 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Prof. Biman Prasad to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad will appear on fijivillage Straight With Vijay Narayan at 7pm ...
6 hours ago

Students disappointed as MGM High School cancels Year 13 graduation over unpaid walk-a-thon pledges
MGM High School students are raising concerns as the school will not be holding a graduation ceremony for Year 13 students this year, as some ...
6 hours ago

COP29: Charan Jeath Singh tells Ketan Lal to refund money spent on him while Lal says Singh added little value at meetings
Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh has told Opposition bloc of 16 member Ketan Lal to refund his air ticket and per diem claims to the ...
6 hours ago

Bail extended for $296,000 LTA scam duo
The Lautoka Magistrates Court has extended the bail for the couple who were allegedly involved in a $296,000 taxi permit scam. Land Transport ...
8 hours ago

Kiran defends Fiji delegation’s efforts at COP29 amid criticism from Charan Jeath Singh
Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran has highlighted the commitment and tenacity of the Fijian delegation and has paid tribute to those who have ...
8 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Doctor Alipate Vakamocea on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan The show will focus on ...
10 days ago

Mangal and Akauola on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Adult Teen Challenge Fiji Executive Director, Hemraj Mangal and Director, Matai Akauola appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan The ...
10 days ago

Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
16 days ago

TOP