Written by AFP, courtesy of rugby.com.au. Source article
Published on 2024-09-06
Fiji booked their place in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals on Friday after holding off Tonga to claim a convincing 50-19 win in Nuku’alofa.
The visitors finished as Group A winners and will play either Japan or the United States in Tokyo next weekend.
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Samoa also went through as Group A runners-up to the semis, which will both be played in the Japanese capital.
Almost 100 years to the day since Fiji and Tonga first met in a Test match, Fiji rushed out to an early lead with three tries in the opening 11 minutes.
But a yellow card for Fiji’s Adrea Cocagi — later upgraded to a 20-minute red — turned the tide midway through the first half as Tonga scored three tries to draw level.
Fiji dug in and their quality showed in the second half, eventually running out comfortable winners.
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere said his team’s improved discipline paid off after the interval.
“At the back end of the first half we dropped off and let Tonga back in, and with a powerful side like Tonga, if you give them a bit of space they’ll take it,” he said.
“The main message for us was to come and take them into the cave and be disciplined about it. Then come back to the cave and leave them in there.”
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Fiji stamped their authority on the game straight away when Iosefo Masi crossed the line with less than two minutes on the clock.
Ikanivere added a second three minutes later, before Elia Canakaivata powered over for a third in the 11th minute.
Fiji’s momentum was abruptly checked when Cocagi was sin-binned for a shoulder to the head of Harrison Mataele midway through the first half.
Tonga immediately took advantage when Fetuli Paea scored his team’s first try, before Fine Inisi added another to bring them right back in it.
Tonga drew level when Patrick Pellegrini bagged their third try but Canakaivata made sure Fiji headed into half-time ahead with another score after the hooter.
Fiji eventually broke open a cagey second half when Inia Tabuavou touched down just before the hour mark, before Meli Derenalagi and Masi added two more in a comfortable finish.
