Fiji edge Tonga in Pacific Nations opener
Fiji overcome a 15-0 half time deficit to beat Tonga in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifying in the Oceania region.
The Tongans were irresistible with wave upon wave of early attacking rugby, led from the front by evergreen captain Nili Latu, resulting in an early penalty for Sonatane Takalua.
With Fiji unable to get a foothold, Tonga continued to press and made a big statement with two tries in the space of three minutes. Impressive footwork by winger Viliame Iongi opening the account. Shortly after Takalua added the extras he was scoring Tonga’s second try on 30 minutes, which he again converted for a 15-0 half time lead.
In a remarkable match of two halves, the second 40 minutes also delivered a story of two quick tries as flyhalf Ben Volavola got Fiji off the mark in the 45th minute, converted by Seremaia Bai. Before No.8 Nemia Soqeta powered over in the 50th minute to bring the hosts to within three points.
Tonga and Fiji then exchanged penalties before Bai levelled the match at 18-18 in the 71st minute.
The final nine minutes were frantic, but the experienced Veroniki Goneva delighted the home support with a try in the 75th minute, which Bai converted to secure a dramatic win.
The match was also significant as it marked the 71st test match for referee Nigel Owens, who surpassed Jonathan Kaplan as the world’s most-capped referee.
It was a day of celebration for the Welshman, who was also awarded an MBE for services to sport in the Queen’s birthday honours.
Meanwhile, Samoa drew 19-19 with Georgia in an historic match for Los Lelos, playing their first-ever test match in the Pacific Islands as part of a World Rugby-funded competition programme. The Georgians will play all three Pacific Island teams on consecutive weekends.
Scorers:
For Fiji:
Tries: Soqeta, Volavola, Radrodro
Con: Baikeinuku
Pens: Baikeinuku 2
For Tonga:
Tries: Iongi, Takulua
Con: Takulua
Pens: Takulua 2
The teams:
Fiji: 15 Samisoni Viriviri, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Seremaia Baikeinuku, 11 Adriu Delai, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Nemia Soqeta, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Naulia Dawai, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Leeroy Atalifo, 2 Sunia Koto (c), 1 Campese Ma'afu
Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Taniela Koroi, 19 Savenaca Tabakanalagi, 20 Eremasi Radrodro, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Serupepeli Vularika, 23 Benito Masilevu
Tonga: 15 Tevita Halaifonua, 14 Pila 'Iongi, 13 Nafi Tuitavake, 12 Viliami Hakalo, 11 Taniela Kilioni, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Tane Takulua, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Jack Ram, 6 Nili Latu (c), 5 Uili Kolo'ofai, 4 Dan Faleafa, 3 Sione Faletau, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Eddie 'Aholelei
Replacements: 16 Sione Anga'aelangi, 17 Kama Sakalia, 18 Fusi Malimali, 19 Opeti Fonua, 20 Sione Tau, 21 Wayne Ngaluafe, 22 Apakuki Ma'afu, 23 Kali Hala
Referee: Nigel Owens (WAL)
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