The Flying Fijians have secured the top position in the Pacific pool of the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 series after a decisive 50-19 victory over Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Friday.
This triumph propels them into the semi-finals in Tokyo next weekend, where they will face either Japan or the USA from the Asia pool.
Manu Samoa, finishing as the runner-up from the Pacific pool, will accompany Fiji.
Fiji’s captain Tevita Ikanivere, who scored a try during the match, emphasized the importance of discipline in achieving their victory. He noted that the team needed to improve their discipline after allowing Tonga to gain momentum midway through the first half.
“We talked about discipline because towards the end of the first half we slacked off and let Tonga back into the game,” he said. “We had a bye week last week and trained hard for this match, knowing that Tonga would be tough, especially at home.”
Tonga’s captain Ben Tameifuna expressed pride in his team’s efforts, thanking his players for their determination. He remarked that competing against their Fijian counterparts is always challenging and that his young team is on a journey of growth.
“This is a stepping stone for us as Ikale Tahi,” he said. “Our focus is on giving our young players the chance to shine. It’s a new experience for them, and it’s valuable to provide these opportunities now.”
The Flying Fijians quickly established a strong 19-0 lead in the opening quarter of the game, asserting dominance over the Tongan side during their 95th Test match over the last century. Three rapid tries from Iosefo Masi, Ikanivere, and flanker Elia Canakaivata set the tone early on.
Despite Fiji’s early control, a yellow card for Fijian center Adrea Cocagi reduced the team to 14 players. Tonga seized this opportunity, with flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini facilitating a try from inside center Fetuli Paea, closing the score to 19-7.
As the game continued, Tonga pressured Fiji, eventually equalizing at 19-all with Pellegrini scoring from a clever dummy. However, Fiji regained the lead with a lineout penalty converted by Canakaivata, culminating in a halftime score of 26-19.
In the second half, the match remained competitive as both sides fought for dominance. Fiji extended their lead with Muntz’s penalty kick and a try from replacement Tabuavou, putting the score at 36-19.
With Fiji supporters rallying behind them, the team further asserted their control, with Drua captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi scoring another try and Muntz converting for a 43-19 lead. Iosefo Masi sealed the match with an intercept try, bringing the final score to 50-19.
The match, witnessed by Crown Prince Tupouto’a and around 4,000 Tongan fans, marked a significant occasion as it celebrated 100 years of rugby between the two nations, their first Test match dating back to 1924.
The victory served as a fitting birthday celebration for captain Ikanivere, who received a cake from the Fijian community after the game. Both teams are set to travel to Japan on Monday, with Fiji progressing to the semi-finals and Tonga facing Canada in the fifth-place playoff.