The Fiji Water Flying Fijians marked a triumphant return to form with a solid 29-14 victory over Scotland at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, a significant milestone as it was their third win against the Scots on home soil. Coach Mick Byrne’s players showcased tenacity and improvement after a tough season, striving for better consistency.
Scotland struck first, with Kyle Rowe crossing the try line just three minutes into the match, giving them an early 7-0 lead. Fiji struggled initially, grappling with handling errors that had plagued them in prior matches, particularly during their recent encounter with Australia. However, the Fijians quickly regrouped. They won a crucial penalty which Caleb Muntz converted, narrowing the gap to 3-7.
As the match progressed, Fiji’s efforts paid off; captain Tevita Ikanivere scored a try around the 34-minute mark, putting Fiji in the lead at 8-7. Soon after, Kalaveti Ravouvou extended their lead, taking the halftime score to 15-7 in favor of the home team.
The second half saw Scotland fight back, with Tom Jordan scoring early to bring the score to 15-14. Nevertheless, Fiji’s resolve shone through as they adapted under pressure. A well-executed inside pass from Muntz to Jiuta Wainiqolo resulted in a try, pushing Fiji’s lead to 22-14. Shortly after, a red card for Scotland’s Darcy Graham, incurred due to repeated infringements, further tilted the game in Fiji’s favor as it resulted in a penalty try. The Flying Fijians, now with a man advantage, showcased resilience in defense to hold on for the win.
Tevita Ikanivere expressed pride in his team’s hard work leading up to this match and credited the supportive home crowd for their energetic presence, which lifted the players’ spirits. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also commended the team. This victory is not only a boost to morale but also a promising foundation to build upon in their upcoming matches.
With continued focus and resilience, the Flying Fijians can draw on this experience for future successes, demonstrating their determination to improve and potentially reclaim their status in international rugby.
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