Johor, Selangor lock horns in Agong's Cup teaser

By NST in August 23, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute

PETALING JAYA: There was little to separate fellow contenders Johor and Selangor as they locked horns in a test match ahead of the Agong’s Cup here today (Aug 23).

Johor, runners-up to Royal Malaysian Police last season, walked away with a 33-26 win at Padang Astaka though neither team were really gunning for the win.

Johor head coach Rodney So’oialo was nevertheless pleased with the progress his team has made.

The Agong’s Cup competition will run from Sept 6-Oct 26.

“For us, we weren’t really here to win. We were just here to run certain things and make sure we see enough of the players we have,” said Rodney.

“We are getting to that time where we have to select our players. We have to make sure we have got the right people in place.

“We are really pleased with the amount of content that we’ve given the guys and they have really delivered on it.”

Johor have strengthened their squad with big-name signings Vatemo Ravouvou and Katione Taliga this season. The duo were part of the Fiji sevens squad which won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Selangor head coach Suhaimi Amran echoed So’oialo’s sentiments.

“Johor is a credible opposition and brings something big to the table,” said Suhaimi.

“I think we showed improvement, however, it is a process and we are still figuring some things out. We achieved what we wanted to today.

“We are, however, still testing out different players in different positions so it will take time to build some chemistry.

“Our defence let us down a bit today, we let in some easy tries so that is something we also have to work on.

“Besides that, our attacking structure is getting better. In these last two weeks, it is just about finalising things and putting the icing on the cake.”

Police head coach K. Dinesvaran was also seen watching the test match.

Police and Selangor have been drawn together in Pool A alongside Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan.