THE final between the two under-18 Tailevu giants is expected to be a show stopper in the Coke Zero Deans trophy on Saturday.
Organisers are predicting a cliffhanger of a final that took ten years in the making.
Defending champion Queen Victoria School (QVS) and arch rivals Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) last met in the 2007 Deans final.
QVS won on that occasion 7-5.
The RKS had the services of Flying Fijian Henry Seniloli and Sakiusa Malai while QVS had former provincial reps Kolinio Vunaki, Ratu Kinijoji Maivalili, Isikeli Nasilasila, Lasarusa Tabu, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Radaniva Ravulo and Flying Fijian Kini Murimurivalu.
The win on that occasion was special for QVS because the victory coincided with the school’s centennial year which was celebrated a few months later at the school.
But according to Fiji Warriors coach Senirusi Seruvakula there would be no love lost between the two schools when they meet in this year’s final.
“It’s going to be tough for both teams and both coaches will try for the remaining days to look into each other’s weaknesses and try to patch up on what they should do more during training sessions.
He said rugby was a tradition for the two schools for Vulinituraga to be playing against Delanakaikai.
“It will be tough, the supporters and former scholars of the two schools will be backing them and it will be a thriller come Saturday.
According to Seruvakula judging by what he saw during the two teams’ previous games, both teams needed a lot of discipline for the whole 70 minutes.
“For RKS when playing against Cuvu, the Nadroga-based school did not give them a lot of pressure.
“They controlled the game until the end, but I hope they have a platform to go in and play against the boys from Matavatucou.
“For QVS they played until the final whistle and they kept the momentum, but in some areas they have to be careful on their discipline.
“You cannot afford two yellow cards in the grand final because it will cost the team.
He said both teams needed to stay focused on the task at hand and if either one of them wanted to win it they just had to keep the right attitude.
Both schools have had a remarkable history of the 74-year-old competition with QVS being dominant winning the most Deans title 22 times and drew six times.
While RKS holds the record for defending the trophy of six years in a row from 1980 to 1985.
They have won 20 times and drawn five times
The Deans finals showdown will be played at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on Saturday and will start at 9am.
