Fiji edged Tonga 32-10 in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva, with King Tupou VI in attendance to witness the action. Tonga struck early, crossing for a try just one minute into the game, but Fiji quickly steadied and began to take control as Augustine Pulu touched down for Fiji under the posts.
The Fiji onslaught grew as the match wore on, with their forwards and relentless defense laying the platform for a free-flowing style. Fiji’s loose trio of Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa and Viliame Mata were ferocious in defense and relentless in attack, while Kalaveti Ravouvou and Ponipate Loganimasi were dangerous on the wings and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre linked well in the backline. Fiji led 17-10 at halftime after a scoreline that reflected a scrappy but decisive first period.
In the second half, Tonga’s experience showed at times, but their game plan stalled under the weight of Fiji’s pressure. Replacing Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua came on in the second half but could not alter the course of the game. Fullback Salesi Piutau did not have a good outing, and there was a sense that age and pace were catching up with both Piutau and Takalua. The decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when Tonga number eight Siosiua Moala was shown a red card for illegally entering the maul a second time, leaving Tonga short and unable to mount a comeback.
By full time, Fiji had stretched their lead to 32-10. The victory keeps Fiji on track in the tournament, while Tonga will regroup after a disciplined-deficit performance. Fiji will face Samoa next Saturday at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand, while Tonga showed heart in defeat but had earlier beaten Samoa in Nuku’alofa.
Summary: Fiji secured a 32-10 win over Tonga in Suva, led by a strong pack and a relentless defensive effort, punctuated by a late red card for Tonga. The match featured an early Tonga try, a Pulu five-pointer for Fiji, and a key evolvement in the fixture as the game progressed. The two sides head into their next rounds with Fiji set to meet Samoa and Tonga aiming to rebound against Canada in upcoming fixtures. A notable moment was King Tupou VI’s attendance, underscoring the significance of the Pacific Nations Cup rivalry in the region.
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