![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Nadi-U20-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In a heart-stopping conclusion to the day\u2019s finals at HFC Bank Stadium, Nadi has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, overcoming a significant halftime deficit to defeat Naitasiri 29-28 in a spectacular display of resilience.<\/p>\n
The match served as a tale of two halves, with Naitasiri dominating the first period before Nadi mounted a stunning second-half comeback to claim the title.<\/p>\n
Nadi started steadily, with flyhalf Waisale Rokomatu slotting a penalty in the 4th minute. The lead was extended when prop JD Kanth crashed over for a try, giving the western side an 8-0 advantage.<\/p>\n
However, Naitasiri soon awoke, unleashing a devastating 20-minute blitz before halftime. Halfback Maleli Ralulu, hooker Kelemete Ligairi, and number 8 Andrea Ramabuke all scored tries in a commanding display. With fullback Samuela Rogoci converting all three, Naitasiri stormed into the break with a commanding 29-8 lead.<\/p>\n
The second half belonged entirely to a resurgent Nadi. Displaying immense character, they chipped away at the deficit with relentless pressure. Hooker Josua Uluibau scored in the 50th minute, followed shortly by a second try from the powerful prop JD Kanth. With Rokomatu converting both, the gap closed to just seven points.<\/p>\n
The comeback was completed in the 60th minute when replacement winger Joseph Tavai crossed the line. Rokomatu\u2019s successful conversion tied the scores, setting up a tense final quarter.<\/p>\n
In a dramatic finish, Naitasiri managed a late try through prop Joshua Emosi in the 78th minute, with Rogoci\u2019s conversion putting them ahead 28-26. But it was Nadi who had the final say, scoring one last time to seal an unforgettable 29-28 victory.<\/p>\n
A relieved and proud Nadi Coach, Aca Bibi, credited his team\u2019s composure and strategic adjustments for the hard-fought win.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to play smart going into the match today against a talented Naitasiri side,\u201d Bibi stated.<\/p>\n
He revealed that the victory was built on fine-tuning their game plan. \u201cFrom our work-ons from last week, we just made a few changes \u2013 small changes to come to the finals,\u201d said Bibi.<\/p>\n
The coach also highlighted the talent within his squad as a key factor. \u201cThere\u2019s a few good boys in the team that have a clear pathway, and we are fortunate to have them with Nadi Rugby to take us to the finals.\u201d<\/p>\n
The match provided a fittingly dramatic end to a day of high-stakes rugby, cementing Nadi\u2019s place as champions after a comeback for the ages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In a heart-stopping conclusion to the day\u2019s finals at HFC Bank Stadium, Nadi has snatched victory from the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":255128,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[567],"tags":[64,63,760,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-255127","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-rugby","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-rugby","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=255127"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255127\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/255128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=255127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=255127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=255127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}