The Flying Fijians secured the top position in the Pacific pool of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup after a decisive 50-19 victory over Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Friday. This victory advances Fiji to the semi-finals in Tokyo next weekend, where they will face either Japan or the USA from the Asia pool. Manu Samoa will join them as the runner-up from the Pacific.
Fiji’s captain, Tevita Ikanivere, who contributed to the team’s score with a try, emphasized the need for improved discipline after the team allowed Tonga to gain momentum midway through the first half. “We spoke about discipline because towards the back end of the first half we dropped and let Tonga into the game,” he noted. Ikanivere mentioned that they used their bye week effectively to prepare for the tough match against Tonga on their home ground.
Tongan captain Ben Tameifuna acknowledged the hard-fought nature of the match and expressed gratitude to his players for their effort. He described the young Tongan team as being on a learning path, noting, “This is the stepping stone for us as Ikale Tahi,” underscoring the importance of giving young players valuable experience.
The Flying Fijians quickly took control of the match, racing to a 19-0 lead in the game’s opening quarter. Iosefo Masi, Ikanivere, and flanker Elia Canakaivata were among the early scorers, with Masi and Canakaivata each recording two tries as Fiji notched a total of seven tries in the match.
Fiji faced adversity when centre Adrea Cocagi received a yellow card, later upgraded to a red card, reducing them to 14 players for 20 minutes. Tonga capitalized on this opportunity, with flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini helping pull them closer by scoring, leveling the match later in the first half.
Fiji regained their lead just before halftime with Canakaivata scoring again, resulting in a 26-19 advantage at the break. The match continued to be competitive in the second half, but Fiji gradually asserted their dominance. Muntz’s successful goal attempts and another try from substitute Tabuavou helped seal the win, showcasing Fijian strength and skill.
As the match concluded, Iosefo Masi’s intercept try brought the final score to 50-19, marking a memorable confrontation. This match celebrated 100 years of rugby between Fiji and Tonga, with Crown Prince Tupouto’a witnessing the historic event. The night was also a special one for Ikanivere, who celebrated his birthday with a cake presented by the Fijian community after the match.
Both teams will head to Japan on Monday, with Fiji preparing for their semi-final clash and Tonga set to meet Canada in the fifth place playoff.