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 TEIVOVO.COM – COLONIAL CUP
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Tuesday 13 February 2007
Jani shines for Crusaders
Former Rugby League player, Tomu Jani, scored two brilliant tries to help the Crusaders defeat the Highlanders 22-16 at Churchill Park last Saturday in the second round of the Colonial Cup.
Jani’s 53rd minute effort added to his first-half score and put the Crusaders into the lead in front of the 3,000-strong crowd. The Highlanders had led 16-7 at half-time.
Loose forward Sam Tabua was equally impressive for the Crusaders as he led Sunia Nadruku, Kelepi Ketedromo and Aseri Tale well in the pack.
The win takes the Crusaders to the top of the Colonial Cup standings with two wins out of two.
The Bligh Roosters put on a gutsy second-half performance to score 12 unanswered points against last year’s Colonial Cup champions, Stallions, but this was not enough as they went down fighting 12-19 at a very wet Garvey Park.
Leading 19-0 at the break, the Stallions looked on course for a comfortable first win, but a pep talk from Roosters coach Manasa Bari lifted the home side’s morale.
“I told the players to stay away from the Stallions’ forwards because they are bigger,” the former Fiji wing said. “Instead I told them to use the backs and run the ball out wide.”
Colonial man-of-the-match Epeli Vuniwaqa caused problems for the visitors with his sound defence, holding up a couple of attempted tries from the Stallions.
However, the Stallions’ class and experience proved the deciding factors.
Isaac Mow and the Knights escaped the Sharks’ jaws in a tough, yet deserving, 11-7 victory at Nasau Park.
Former Highlanders halfback Saisi Fuli played at first receiver for the Knights, but a try from Mosese Fatiaki gave the visitors a 7-3 advantage at the break.
Wing Joela Naituku took the Knights into the lead on 50 minutes after sustained pressure, and their defence then held firm to the final whistle.
Jack Prasad and the Sharks take on the in-form Crusaders at Churchill Park on Friday, while Joji Rinakama looks for an improved performance when the Stallions host the Knights at Lawaqa Park on Saturday.
The winless Roosters travel to Suva to face the Highlanders at the Post Fiji Stadium.
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