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Fiji get one over Tonga in feisty Pasifika Challenge
Fiji and Tonga showcased everything that is good about Pacific Islands rugby with an entertaining spectacle at Eden Park that eventually went the way of the Flying Fijians on a 29-19 scoreline.
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The evidence suggested defence might be a struggle for both teams at the World Cup, but spectators in Japan can expect some front foot thrills from these countries as their respective attacks produced moments to savour at a quarter-full ground in Auckland.
Pacific Island neighbours Samoa had opened the Pasifika Challenge II with a 36-19 win over a New Zealand Heartland XV before the event’s main attraction got going.
Much is especially expected from Fiji at the World Cup as they are seen as a potential ambush for the likes of Wales and Australia in their pool, and John McKee will feel things are slotting into place as they prepare to head to Japan in the hope of achieving quarter-final qualification for the first time since 2007.
They started this warm-up Test slowly, though, falling behind to an easy score from Tongan skipper Siale Piutau, but they quickly demonstrated the trait that everyone knows and loves about their game – their ability to score tries from long range.
Full Time at Eden Park in New Zealand. Fiji takes a close 29-19 win over Tonga in the Pasifika ChallengeII. Few more weeks to work before meeting Australia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on the 21st of September. #fijivstonga #PasifikaChallengeII #itsfijistime
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) August 31, 2019
It was Semi Radradra who was the instigator of a move rounded off by Josua Tuisova when they countered off possession Tonga spilt on the opposition 22.
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A lineout maul was the source of Tonga’s try in reply, Paula Ngauamo getting driven over the line before Fiji struck with two scores in succession through Vereniki Goneva and Semi Kunatani to secure a lead heading into half-time.
‘I have the season at Northampton that I can do well in. The World Cup is the pinnacle and probably by the next one I will be more hopeful of going’
– @TaqeleN gives @heagneyl an insight into @SaintsRugby, his @fijirugby hopes and Japan's @rugbyworldcup
https://t.co/B8n3lobkLk— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 30, 2019
They didn’t slack off on the resumption, skipper Dominko Waqaniburotu and hooker Samuel Matavesi adding a couple of more tries before Tonga made things interesting again for the final quarter with a try from Sosefo Sakalia.
There was no love lost between these island nations, yellow cards for punch-throwing pair Maama Vaipulu and Perceli Yato highlighting the needle that materialised. In the end, though, Fiji did enough to see out the win.
WATCH: The Rugby Pod voice their concerns for Ireland and their World Cup campaign after their humbling loss to England at Twickenham
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Comments on RugbyPass
Ouch. Even Nohamba is a better flyhalf than Ford.
2 Go to commentsI hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
2 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
25 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
6 Go to comments