Fiji thump Tonga in PNC second round
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In an exhilarating clash of Pacific rugby powerhouses, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians delivered a commanding performance to defeat Tonga 50-19. The match, held at Teifaiva Stadium in Tonga, showcased Fiji’s skill and determination despite a challenging first half.
First Half:
Fiji set the tone early with a swift try by centre Iosefo Masi, who capitalized on an overlap created through brilliant hands from the Flying Fijians. Caleb Muntz’s conversion was narrowly missed, leaving the score at 5-0 after just 2 minutes.
The Flying Fijians extended their lead at 4.20 minutes when Ravula’s long kick within their 50m was collected by Karawalevu. He offloaded to captain Tevita Ikanivere, who scored a try with ease. Muntz made no mistake with the conversion, pushing Fiji ahead 12-0.
At 10.18 minutes, a well-executed set piece in the Tongan 22 led to a rolling maul, finishing with Elia Canakaivata touching down in the corner. The conversion was successful, making it 19-0 to Fiji.
The match took a turn at 15 minutes when Andrea Cocagi was yellow-carded for dangerous play. His absence was quickly felt as Tonga capitalized on the advantage. Two minutes later, Tongan inside centre Feutuli Pea scored a try, converted by Patrick Pellegrini to bring the score to 19-7.
Further drama unfolded as Cocagi’s yellow card was upgraded to a red card after a review, leaving Fiji a man down for 20 minutes. Tonga took advantage, with Pellegrini’s cross-kick finding Fine Inisi in the corner for a try, converted successfully. The score tightened to 19-14.
Tonga’s momentum continued as Pellegrini scored from a scrum awarded to the Tongans following a Fiji infringement. The conversion leveled the score at 19-19 as the half-time whistle approached.
In the final play of the first half, Elia Canakaivata again made his mark, diving over from a Fiji lineout. Muntz’s conversion put Fiji back in the lead at 26-19.
Second Half:
The second half started slowly, but Fiji broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a penalty kick from Muntz, extending the lead to 29-19. Moments later, quick ball movement and deft footwork from Inia Tabuavou led to a try, converted by Muntz, pushing the score to 36-19.
At 70 minutes, Ratu Meli Derenalagi capitalized on a Fiji attack to score another try, with the conversion successful, making it 43-19.
In the 76th minute, Derenalagi intercepted a pass from a Tongan scrum and dashed over for his second try of the match. The conversion took the score to 50-19, where it remained until full-time.
Post-Match Comments:
Tongan Captain Ben Tameifuna: “It’s always tough playing against our Fijian brothers. As I mentioned in previous weeks, this game is just a stepping stone for us. Our main goal is the World Cup in Australia. We’re giving young players an opportunity and hoping to build on today’s performance.”
Fiji Captain Tevita Ikanivere: “We discussed our discipline. We let Tonga back into the game towards the end of the first half. With a powerful side like Tonga, if you give them a bit of space, they’ll take it. Our key focus was to maintain discipline and control, which we managed to do in the second half.”
Flying Fijians Coach Mick Byrne: “There is a lot of growth in this team. Many players are in their third year of professional rugby and are discovering more about themselves. Today’s match was another opportunity for them to learn that they can’t ease up and must keep pushing forward.”
Man of the Match: Tevita Ikanivere
Full-Time Score: Fiji 50 – 19 Tonga
The FIJI Water Flying Fijians now progress to the Semi-Finals with Samoa from Pool A of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup. Tonga will now head into the 4th and 5th placed match. Their opponents will be determined after the completion of Pool B games that consists of USA, Canada and Japan.
