The FIJI Water Flying Fijians concluded their European tour with a significant 52-17 loss to Ireland in Dublin. From the outset, the Irish team displayed a dominant performance, putting pressure on Fiji right from the first whistle.
Fiji nearly scored early on through wing Jiuta Wainiqolo in the 10th minute, but he fell just short of the try-line. Ireland capitalized on this missed opportunity, with tries from captain Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, and Mack Hansen. The debuting flyhalf Sam Prendergast successfully converted all but one, helping Ireland secure a commanding 28-3 lead by halftime. Fiji’s lone score during this period came from a penalty kick by Caleb Muntz.
In the second half, Ireland continued to exert their control, with Hansen scoring again, followed by additional tries from Bundee Aki, Gus McCarthy, and Ronan Kelleher, sealing their comfortable win. Despite the defeat, Fiji managed to score through hard-working Kitione Salawa and promising young player Setareki Turagacoke, with Muntz adding the conversion.
The match showcased the strength of the Irish side, who were well-prepared and executed their game plan effectively. Although the Flying Fijians faced a tough challenge, their effort and spirit, especially from young talents like Turagacoke, hint at a bright future for the team.
In summary, while the scoreline reflects a challenging match for Fiji, their ability to find the try-line twice indicates areas of potential growth. Embracing the lessons from this defeat could serve as a valuable foundation for future competitions, with young players gaining essential experience on the international stage. The resilience shown by the Fijian players is commendable, and they will likely bounce back stronger in their upcoming matches.
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