The Flying Fijians have emerged as winners of the Pacific pool in the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup series, following a decisive 50-19 victory over Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Friday.
This victory secures Fiji a spot in the semi-finals in Tokyo next weekend, where they will face either Japan or the USA from the Asia pool.
Manu Samoa will also advance as the runner-up from the Pacific pool.
Fiji’s captain, Tevita Ikanivere, who contributed with a try during the match, emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline for their success. He remarked on the need to reinforce their discipline after allowing Tonga to compete in the first half of the game.
“We discussed discipline, especially because toward the end of the first half, we let Tonga back into the match,” he stated.
Having had a bye week prior, the Fijians had prepared thoroughly for the challenge, aware of Tonga’s formidable presence on home ground.
Tongan captain Ben Tameifuna acknowledged his team’s effort, thanking his players for their resilience throughout the game. He reflected on the challenges of competing against Fijians, expressing optimism about his young squad’s growth and learning experience.
“This is a stepping stone for us as ‘Ikale Tahi,” he noted. “Our goal is to give opportunities to our young players, exposing them to these invaluable experiences.”
The Flying Fijians established an early dominance with a 19-0 lead in the first quarter, securing another win against Tonga in their 95th Test match over the past century.
Fiji quickly scored three tries to take control of the game, but Tonga surged back into contention after Fiji was reduced to 14 players due to a yellow card issued to centre Adrea Cocagi. This was later upgraded to a red card.
From a penalty awarded to Tonga, flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini executed a well-placed chip kick, allowing inside centre Fetuli Paea to score. Pellegrini converted, narrowing Fiji’s lead to 19-7.
Taking advantage of Fiji’s disorganization, outside centre Fine Inisi capitalized on another chip kick from Pellegrini, bringing the score to 19-14.
Tonga maintained pressure and drew level at 19-all after Pellegrini’s try from a clever dummy.
As Fiji regained a full squad just before halftime, they capitalized on a lineout penalty, with Elia Canakaivata scoring to close the half with a 26-19 lead.
In the second half, the game remained tightly contested as both sides vied for control. Fiji extended their advantage with a penalty from Caleb Muntz, bringing the score to 29-19.
Tabuavou, coming off the bench, executed a powerful run to score next, and with Muntz’s conversion, the lead grew to 36-19.
With strong support from around 300 Fijians in attendance, Fiji continued to take control of the match.
Ratu Meli Derenalagi added to Fiji’s score with another try, followed by Vuata Karawalevu attempting two more touchdowns, both of which were disallowed after video review for technical infractions.
However, Iosefo Masi intercepted a pass and scored under the posts, sealing the match at 50-19 after Muntz converted his try.
The match garnered attention as it marked a significant moment in rugby history, celebrating 100 years since the first Test match between Fiji and Tonga in 1924, witnessed by Crown Prince Tupouto’a alongside approximately 4000 Tongans.
This victory also served as a memorable birthday celebration for Fiji’s captain Ikanivere, who was gifted a special cake by the Fijian community post-match.
Both teams will depart for Japan on Monday, with Fiji set to compete in the semi-finals, while Tonga will face Canada in the fifth place play-off.