Big second half gives Fiji fourth Pacific Nations Cup
REPORT: Two tries each to Fiji’s two scrumhalves saw them overpower Georgia 37-15 to win the Pacific Nations Cup for a fourth consecutive year in a winner-takes-all showdown in Suva on Saturday.
In the play-off for the minor placings Tonga, pipped by one point when beaten by Georgia last week, posted their first win in the two-round tournament with a 28-18 victory over Samoa.
Georgia, contesting the cup for the first time, used their heavy pack to good effect in the first half to lead 15-10 at the turn.
But the tropical South Pacific heat took is toll after the break as Fiji came back with 27 unanswered points.
“That’s the level we need to play every game. It’s a massive confidence boost,” said Fiji captain Akapusi Qera.
The Georgian forwards, described by England coach Eddie Jones as the “biggest, ugliest, strongest” pack in the world, pressured Fiji into errors in the opening stages and the Europeans were first on the board with a Soso Matiashvili penalty.
Fiji struck back with two tries in three minutes by starting scrumhalf Henry Seniloli.
The first when miscommunication behind the Georgian scrum left the ball unattended and the second when a three-man skip pass opened up space.
Clermont backrower Otar Giorgadze was driven over the line for Georgia’s second try and when they moved the ball wide, veteran wing Sandro Todua touched down to give them a five point lead.
But Georgia could not stay with the pace when Fiji accelerated in the second half.
Replacement scrumhalf scored two tries with Jale Vatubua and Semi Radradra also touching down while Nemani Nadolo landed two conversions and a penalty.
Samoa, preparing for home-and-away World Cup qualifying matches, lost both their Pacific Nations Cup fixtures after losing to Fiji 22-24 last week.
They were behind against Tonga from the start when Viliami Lolohea and Bath wing Cooper Vuna scored inside the first 20 minutes.
Newcastle scrumhalf Sonatane Takalua landed both conversions and two penalties for Tonga to lead 17-6 at half-time, with Samoa’s points coming from two Ahsee Tuala penalties.
Tonga extended their lead in the second half with two further Takalua penalties and a try to Penikolo Latu before replacement players Ed Fidow and Melani Matavao scored for Samoa just before full-time.
Teams:
The scorers:
For Fiji:
Tries: Seniloli 2, Lomani 2, Vatubua, Radradra, Waqavatu
Cons: Nasiganiyavi 2
Pen: Nasiganiyavi
For Geogia:
Tries: Todua, Giorgadze,
Cons: Matiashvili
Pen: Matiashvili
Teams:
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Akapusi Qera (captain), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Ratu Vere Vugakoto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Replacements: 16 Ratunaisa Navuma, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Sikeli Nabou, 20 Nemani Nagusa, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Alivereti Veitokani, 23 Timoci Nagusa.
Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Tamaz Mtchedlidze, 13 Davit Katcharava, 12 Lasha Malaghuradze, 11 Anzor Sitchinava/Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Otar Giorgadze, 7 Vito Kolelishvili, 6 Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 5 Kote Mikautadze, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze [captain], 3 Levan Chilachava, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Kakha Asieshvili.
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
Agence France-Presse
