The FIJI Water Flying Fijians faced a challenging start to their Northern Tour, as they were decisively defeated by Scotland with a score of 57-17 at Murrayfield this morning. The Scottish team outperformed their Fijian counterparts, earning a total of eight tries during the match.
Scotland’s winger Darcy Graham delivered an outstanding performance, scoring four tries, while outside center Huw Jones contributed with two tries of his own. Fullback Kyle Rowe and blindside winger Duhan van der Merwe also scored, and Adam Hastings successfully added seven conversions and a penalty to the Scottish tally.
Early discipline issues hampered Fiji’s efforts, with two players, Frank Lomani and Apisalome Vota, receiving yellow cards within the first 20 minutes, significantly impacting team cohesion and defensive structure against a powerful Scottish side.
Despite the setbacks, the Flying Fijians managed to find the try line three times, with contributions from fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Meli Derenalagi, and captain Tevita Ikaniere. Armstrong-Ravula was also responsible for one of the conversions.
Looking ahead, Fiji will take on Wales next Monday at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, where they will have the opportunity to regroup and demonstrate their resilience.
The teams for the match were as follows:
Scotland: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Ali Price, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.
Fiji: 15 Isaiah Ravula, 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 5 Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Kemueli Valetini, 23 Waqa Nalaga.
Despite the loss, this match presents an opportunity for the Flying Fijians to learn and build strength for their next encounter. Their determination will be key as they prepare for a promising contest against Wales. Fans are hopeful for a turnaround that showcases the team’s capabilities and fighting spirit.
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