Nasinu Retain Pio Bosco Challenge with Commanding 48–17 Win

September 19, 2025

Nasinu Women’s side produced a commanding display at Buckhurst Park today, defeating Naitasiri 48–17 to successfully defend the Pio Bosco Challenge.
 
The hosts dominated the opening half, running in four unanswered tries to lead 22–0 at the break. Despite playing with 14 players for much of the second spell after a red card in the 50th minute, Nasinu’s attacking class shone through as they added four more tries to seal the win.
 
Discipline was a major talking point of the match, with Naitasiri handed two yellow cards in the first half before losing a player to a red card in the 31st minute. Playing with 14 for the remainder of the match, the visitors still fought valiantly, crossing for three second half tries. They also collected another yellow card after the break.
 
Nasinu, too, had their own discipline concerns, receiving a yellow card in each half alongside their red.
 
Coaches’ Reflections
Nasinu coach Tom Katonivualiku commended his side for their resilience given the challenges in preparation.
 
“Today’s game was a challenging one, because last week we had to let loose of about seven of our backline players for the Fijiana 7s program. So, we had to work hard on fixing that,” Katonivualiku said.

“Another challenge is our fitness as most of them only started training last week. But we don’t have any excuse. Our target remains the same from day one – and that is to be in the top two this season.

We also have a lot of secondary school girls in our team, 16 and 17-year-olds, which makes today’s performance even more rewarding.”
 
Naitasiri backline coach Josefa Sisiwa, originally from Navosa, praised his young side’s effort despite the odds.
 
“I want to thank the Naitasiri Rugby Union Management for supporting the women’s program. The encouraging words from the executives boost the morale of the players, and I believe the girls gave their all today,” he said.

“We know Nasinu is a very good team – physically fit and well-prepared. For us, it has been a challenge because of our geographical location. Today, our prop is in Form Five at Sila Central and our No. 7 is in Form Seven at Muanaweni Secondary. We brought them in because of injuries.

Vinaka vakalevu to all the supporters. I apologise for not winning today, but we will regroup, work on our weaknesses, and prepare for Namosi.”
 
Match Summary
PIO BOSCO Challenge
NASINU 48 NAITASIRI 17
Buckhurst Park, Suva
Half-time: 22-0
 
NASINU (1-15): Tarai Silivale, Ulamila Bauwale, Zipporah Nagar, Ilivani Whippy, Lynda Poulter, Filomena Rabakele,  Vani Divasu, Grace Waqa, Eseta Vunitabua,  Adi Ana Lutunauca, Ateca Nacaucauceva,  Udite Naituku (captain), Salanieta Nataituba, Mereseini Drotini, Veniana Lewarara
RESERVES: Ema Gade, Tema Natuituba, Emi Karanavatu, Anaisi Qiolevu, Livia Naqelebau, Ravaela Bulileka, Salote Tutudua, Melania Duivokavoka
TRIES: Rabakele (2), Divasu (2), Lutunauga 2), Caucauceva, Tutudua
CON: Lutunauga (4)
 
NAITASIRI (1-15): Mere Rokorasei, Makelesi Tabuakarawa, Adi Lavenia Marama, Unaisi Naiteqe, Mereisi Veitau, Nanise Rabuavati,  Kinisimere Mawalu, Lusiana Tinai (captain),  Paulini Ranavisa, Iliana Bakeirewa, Sereima Rokotanaka, Eseta Vecenawaca, Livia Senibulileka, Fipe Malolo, Niumaia Rawavatu
RESERVES: Rosalia Ravouvou, Salote Nadakuitavuki, Adi Livia Karaniu, Kelera Rokowati, Hannah Baleivicau, Maraia Roravudi, Merewalesi Veitamani, Lomani Rakuro
TRIES: Roravudi, Try, Senibulileka
CON: Senibulileka (2)
 
Events
00 – KICK OFF NASINU, Lutunauga
02mins – TRY NASINU, Vani Divasu; Conversion Lutunauga (missed) – 5-0
O3mins – YELLOW CARD NAITASIRI, Fipe Malolo
06mins – YELLOW CARD NASINU,  Paulini Ranavisa
14mins – TRY NASINU, Lutunauga; Conversion Lutunauga – 12-0
16mins – YELLOW CARD NAITASIRI, Fipe Malolo
31mins – RED CARD NAITASIRI, Kinisimere Mawalu
33mins – TRY NASINU, Filomena Rabakele; Conversion Lutunauga (missed) – 17-0
39mins – TRY NASINU, Filomena Rabakele; Conversion Lutunauga (missed) – 22-0
Half-time: 22-0
40mins – KICK OFF NAITASIRI Senibulileka
45mins – TRY NAITASIRI, Maraia Roravudi; Conversion Senibulikela – 22-7
50mins – RED CARD NASINU; Ulamila Baulevu
52mins – TRY NAITASIRI; Conversion Senibulileka (missed) – 22-12
55mins – TRY NASINU, Vani Divasu; Conversion Lutunauga – 29-12
55mins – YELLOW CARD NAITASIRI; Eseta Vecenawaca
57mins – TRY NASINU, Ateca Caucauceva; Conversion Lutunauga – 36 -12
59mis – YELLOW CARD NASINU, Ravaela Bulileka
64mins – TRY NASINU, Salote Tutudua; Conversion Lutunauga (missed) – 41-12
71mins – TRY NAITASIRI, Senibulileka, Conversion Senibulileka (missed) – 41-17
74mins – TRY NASINU, Lutunauga; Conversion Lutunauga – 48-17
FULL-TIME