KUALA NERUS – Terengganu shrugged off the searing El Nino heat to continue their impressive run, defeating Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya 43-26 to book a place in the semi-finals of the 42nd Agong Cup rugby championship on June 13.
The result marks a significant improvement for the East Coast side, who exited at the quarter-final stage last season, and reinforces their growing credentials despite not being among the pre-tournament favourites.
Playing at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium, the hosts made a strong start with an early try by import Josevata Cava Uluinaceva, followed by a successful conversion from captain Mohamad Nasharuddin Ismail.
Guided by head coach Hafiizh Zainal, Terengganu executed a more structured tactical approach to dominate possession and territory, taking a commanding 26-5 lead into halftime, with Putrajaya limited to a single try.
The visitors showed improved urgency after the break, narrowing the gap through tactical substitutions, but Terengganu responded swiftly. Muhammad Faris Abdullah crossed the line under the posts, allowing Nasharuddin to add the extras for a 33-12 cushion.
Putrajaya continued to fight back and reduced the deficit to 33-19, capitalising on lapses as fatigue began to show among the home players under intense conditions.
However, tactical changes by Hafiizh injected fresh energy into the side, with Umar Irsyad Mohd Afrizal powering through a ruck situation to extend the lead to 38-19.
Momentum briefly swung against Terengganu when two players were sent to the sin bin following yellow cards in the 64th and 70th minutes. Putrajaya took advantage, with Pita Yavi Mai Wai Lesivoukionoilau scoring a try, converted by Mohamad Firdaus M. Zahed, to close the gap to 38-26.
Despite being reduced to 13 men, Terengganu held firm before substitute Muhammad Ikmal Hakim Zuraimi sealed the win with a late try in the closing stages.
The victory sends Terengganu into the semi-finals, where they will face defending champions Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) at the same venue on June 20.