In a thrilling match filled with ups and downs, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians rallied to defeat Spain with a score of 33-19 in Valladolid, Spain. The game saw Spain initially take the lead, going into halftime with a score of 10-7. However, the Fijians showcased their resilience in the second half, executing four consecutive tries to clinch the victory.
One notable highlight of the match was the debut of 18-year-old lock-forward Setareki Turagacoke, who stepped up to fill the gap left by the injured Isoa Nasilasila, who will miss the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series. Turagacoke made an immediate impact by scoring a try with just 11 minutes left in the game, solidifying his position within the team.
In addition to Turagacoke’s contribution, Ponipate Loganimasi also scored a try in the first half, while Sireli Maqala, Sam Matavesi, and Waisea Nayacalevu each crossed the Spanish defense to help secure a convincing win. Gonzalo Lopez managed to score 19 points for the home team, including a try, a successful conversion, and four penalty kicks.
This victory over Spain continues a positive trend for the Flying Fijians, who previously faced Spain in November 2021, winning that match by a significant margin of 43-13 in Madrid.
As the Flying Fijians move forward, their performance reflects not just a triumph on the field but also a promising development of young talent, like Turagacoke, which bodes well for the future of Fijian rugby. This experience could be invaluable as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the Autumn Nations Series.
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