The Suva rugby team is the new champion of the Skipper Cup.

The capital city side made a great come back in the second half as they beat defending champions Nadroga 36-35 in the final at ANZ Stadium.

Suva was down 28-10 at the halftime and the Stallions looked on track to win its sixth straight title at Laucala Bay.

Suva’s Enele Malele scored the first try two minutes into the game and led seven nil.

Nadroga’s Jone Navori scored a brace of tires in the first half while Aporosa Tabulawaki and Iferemi Tovilevu scored a try each in the game.

The visitors led 28-10 at halftime.

Suva again made a better start in the second spell with a try from Vatili Dulaki as they closed the gap to 28-17.

Veteran prop Setefano Samoca scored Nadroga’s fifth try to extend the lead to 35-17.

Suva hooker and Fiji Warriors prop Mesulame Dolokoto pulled one back for his team in the last quarter of the game.

Jonathan Petueli scored for Suva and closed the gap to 35-31 before Levani Kurumudu nailed the winning try in the 71st minute of the game.

Suva captain Peni Raidre says his players had the right attitude and were focused to win the game.

“This final was just the about the character, how much we really wanted because it has been a tough season. Physically everybody was worn out now it’s just about who needed the most and I guess I’m thankful to the boys for the character they showed today.”

Suva becomes the only team to win the Skipper Cup apart from Nadroga who has been winning the title since its inception in 2013.

Other Results

Women’s Final
Malolo 31-24 Suva

Men’s Under-20
Nadi 29-24 Namosi

Vanua Challenge
Northland 8-6 Tailevu