Ireland run in eight tries to hammer Fiji as Sam Prendergast and debutant impress

Ireland produced a clinical performance led by fly-half Sam Prendergast as they beat Fiji 52-17 in their Autumn Nations Series clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Tries from Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, Mack Hansen (2), Bundee Aki, Gus McCarthy and Ronan Kelleher saw them to a comfortable victory.

Prendergast, on his first Test start, hooker McCarthy and centre Aki impressed in a positive run-out for Andy Farrell’s youthful and much-changed starting XV.

Kitione Salawa and Setareki Turagacoke were Fiji’s try-scorers while Caleb Muntz kicked two conversions and a penalty as they suffered a heavy away defeat.

Ireland enjoyed a dominant opening period as they crossed for four tries that were all converted by Prendergast, who had an eventful first start in the jersey.

The fly-half was involved in plenty of his team’s success in the first half but might count himself rather fortunate to see his yellow card for a shoulder to the head of Fiji flanker Salawa on eight minutes remain that colour.  He certainly made the most of his reprieve as he returned in fine fettle as Ireland turned the screw.

Before his indiscretion Ireland had taken a 7-0 lead on five minutes when a kick to the corner led to a lineout move that saw debutant hooker McCarthy put the ball back inside to Doris who set the scoreboard in motion.  Prendergast added the extras before that contentious moment involving Salawa followed soon after.

Fiji came close to responding on 10 minutes through wing Jiuta Wainiqolo but his reach for the try-line out wide was just short and Ireland soon made them pay.

A tap and go seven metres out saw a slick interchange from the Ireland forwards before Doris found flanker Van der Flier, who crashed over for a converted score.

Fiji did manage to reduce the margin thanks to a long-range penalty from Muntz but a yellow card for Eroni Mawi soon after once again put them on the back foot.

Ireland were beginning to purr and despite being denied a try for Cormac Izuchukwu due to a forward pass, the hosts would cross twice more before the interval thanks to a diving finish on the right wing from Casey after a lineout maul before Prendergast’s cross-kick put it on a plate for Hansen in added time to make it 28-3.

It took Ireland seven minutes after the resumption to extend the lead and for the third time of the game hooker McCarthy was the provider, this time for Aki.

With Farrell’s charges sitting 35-3 to the good and plenty of time left there was a danger the match could get away from the Fijians but they refused to roll over.

In fact they were next to cross the whitewash when flanker Salawa scrambled his way over on 55 minutes, with Muntz’s conversion reducing the gap to 25 points.

The contest was becoming increasingly open as a try from the back of a driving maul from young hooker McCarthy was soon cancelled out by Turagacoke’s score.

But one always felt that Ireland were still very much on top and they were helped by Turagacoke’s yellow card before Casey put Hansen over for his second try.

There was still plenty of time for one final crossing and it came from replacement hooker Kelleher as Ireland put the seal on an emphatic win on home soil.

The teams

Ireland:  15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Gus McCarthy, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements:  16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Stuart McCloskey

Fiji:  15 Vuate Karawalevu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Meli Derenalagai, 5 Temo Mayanavunua, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Setareki Turagacoke, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Sireli Maqala

Referee:  Hollie Davidson (SRU)
Assistant Referees:  Matthew Carley (RFU), Sam Grove-White (SRU)
TMO:  Mike Adamson (SRU)

Fiji claim famous Cardiff victory as miserable Wales fall to 10th successive Test defeat

Fiji created history on Sunday as they claimed their first-ever victory over Wales in Cardiff and, in doing so, they also handed their opponents their 10th successive international defeat.

As predicted in our preview, this was a tightly contested affair with the game’s outcome in the balance for long periods but Fiji were deserved winners in the end as they eventually sealed a 24-19 victory.

Despite losing the services of backline star Semi Radradra, who was red carded for foul play in the opening half, Fiji held the upper hand for most of the match and Caleb Muntz was their hero as he finished with a 19-point haul courtesy of a try, a conversion and four penalties while Josua Tuisova also dotted down.

For Wales, Blair Murray and Ellis Bevan scored tries while they were also awarded a penalty try and Gareth Anscombe added a conversion.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested but Wales held an edge during that period and opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Test debutant Murray rounded off out wide, after Ben Thomas and Cameron Winnett laid the groundwork with slick handling in the build-up.

Despite that five-pointer, the visitors were competitive and five minutes later Muntz succeeded with his first penalty after Wales captain Dewi Lake infringed at a ruck.

In the 15th minute, Wales crossed the whitewash again when Winnett dotted down but the score was disallowed when television replays revealed a dangerous clean out from Tommy Reffell on Radrada in the build-up and the Wales flanker was also yellow carded for his offence.

Midway through the half, Wales were awarded a penalty try when Elia Canakaivata was blown up for illegally entering a driving maul from the hosts close to his try-line and preventing a try from being scored.  Like Reffell, the visitors’ number eight was also forced to spend 10 minutes in the sin bin for his indiscretion.

Things went from bad to worse for the Pacific Islanders shortly afterwards when Radradra also received his marching orders for a dangerous hit on Winnett.  Radradra’s challenge was reviewed by the TMO Bunker and it was upgraded eventually to a 20-minute red card.

Despite being reduced to 13 men, Fiji did not panic and in the 24th minute Muntz left his stamp on this match when he crossed for an outstanding five-pointer.

This, after the Fiji fly-half gathered the ball just outside Wales’ 10-metre line and showed his class as he beat five defenders with deft footwork before crossing the whitewash.

Fiji continued to dominate as the half progressed and just before half-time referee Luc Ramos awarded a penalty try to them after Wales collapsed a rolling maul from their opponents close to their try-line.

The visitors’ joy was short-lived, however, as the score was ruled out due to an indiscretion from Fiji’s forwards before, meaning the home side held a slender 14-10 lead.

SGÔR TERFYNOL

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿19-24🇫🇯
#AutumnNationsSeries | #WALvFIJ pic.twitter.com/tQKLl5Fru0

― Welsh Rugby Union 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 10, 2024

Fiji were fastest out of the blocks after the interval and Muntz narrowed the gap to one point in the 44th minute thanks to a successful penalty and five minutes later he added another three-pointer off the kicking tee which gave his side the lead for the first time in the match.

On the hour-mark, Fiji took control of proceedings when Tuisova crashed over for their second try after powering through two defenders in the build-up and Muntz added the extras which gave his side a 21-14 lead.

Wales desperately needed a response and that came in the 65th minute when Bevan crossed for a well-taken try out wide after the ball went through several pairs of hands in the build-up.

Sam Costelow was off target with the resulting conversion attempt and that meant the visitors were holding a 21-19 lead with time running out on the clock.

Although Wales were piling on the pressure, Fiji continued to launch attacks and in the 75th minute Muntz slotted his fourth penalty which clinched a famous victory for the visitors.

The teams

Wales:  15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Mason Grady, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Blair Murray, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Taine Plumtree, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements:  16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 James Botham, 21 Jac Morgan, 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Sam Costelow

Fiji:  15 Vuate Karawalevu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (cc), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (cc), 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Isaiah Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala

Referee:  Luc Ramos (FFR)
Assistant Referees:  Pierre Brousset (FFR), Hollie Davidson (SRU)
TMO:  Eric Gauzins (FFR)

Darcy Graham scores FOUR as Scotland seal dominant victory over Fiji

Darcy Graham shone on his return to Scotland duty as they opened their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a 57-17 thrashing of Fiji at Murrayfield.

Gregor Townsend’s men were rampant early on, with Graham starring in his first Test since last year’s Rugby World Cup.  Kyle Rowe might have opened the scoring but it was his back three partner’s brace which was the first-half highlight.

Huw Jones also crossed the whitewash as the Scots went 26-0 up at the end of the first quarter before the visitors finally woke up.

The Flying Fijians hit back through Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Meli Derenalagi to give them hope before they further ate into the lead when Tevita Ikanivere touched down early in the second period.

But any concerns were eased via Graham, who brilliantly finished twice more to go level with Duhan van der Merwe on 28 at the top of the try-scoring chart.  However, he was then surpassed once more as Van der Merwe crossed the whitewash to take his record back.

With the match taking place outside the international window, Fiji were without their overseas stars and it showed, especially early on, as Scotland dominated.

Townsend’s slick team were impressive in the opening quarter while the Pacific Islanders were ill-disciplined.

Frank Lomani was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and the hosts took advantage when Rowe crossed the whitewash from close range.

Fiji got back to 15 men only to see Apisalome Vota yellow carded and, from the resultant opportunity, Graham combined with Ewan Ashman to score his first of the evening.

It wasn’t long before the speedster was over for his second as he latched on to Adam Hastings’ cross-field kick to finish in the right-hand corner.

The Flying Fijians were imploding and another mistake allowed Jones to intercept to take Scotland 26-0 in front.

To the tourists’ credit, they showed some spirit and put some pressure on the Scottish rearguard.  As a result, the hosts began to infringe and it eventually resulted in Ashman being yellow carded for a series of penalties on their own line.

With the hooker off the field, Armstrong-Ravula went over before Derenalagi followed him after Ashman had returned from the naughty step.

And when Ikanivere crossed the whitewash at the start of the second period, Murrayfield started to get nervous.

Graham was on hand to ease their tension, though, and after the flyer had completed his hat-trick, the hosts relaxed.

The 27-year-old crossed the whitewash for a fourth time to equal Van der Merwe’s try-scoring record before his back three partner once again took it outright when he benefited from Hastings’ genius.

Fiji’s spirit had well and truly been broken and Scotland rounded off the win when Jones touched down.

The teams

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 Armstrong-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

Referee:  Craig Evans (WRU)
Assistant Referees:  Christophe Ridley (RFU), Luc Ramos (FFR)
TMO:  Brett Cronan (RA)

All Blacks score SEVEN tries in commanding win over Fiji in San Diego

Scott Robertson’s All Blacks claimed a 47-5 win over Fiji in San Diego where several new faces shone on the Test scene for the first time.

New Zealand scored an impressive seven tries on the day through Caleb Clarke, Cortez Ratima, Billy Proctor, Ardie Savea, Sevu Reece, Ethan de Groot and George Bell, with fly-half Damian McKenzie kicking six conversions on the night.

Fiji only had the first-half try from Vilimoni Botitu to show for their efforts at SnapDragon Stadium.

The All Blacks got going early on and looking to start fast they launched several attacks resulting in Clarke’s try in the ninth minute. McKenzie was on hand to add the extras before Ratima sniped over for another try four minutes later. The fly-half made no mistake again from the tee.

The Fijians refused to lie down and found their response through an unconverted Botitu try which was a fair reward for a beautiful period of play from the Pacific side.

Despite the best efforts of the Fijians, the one-way traffic resumed with Proctor going over next in the 26th minute for a try on debut. There would only be one more score in the first period with Savea crashing over from a tap-and-go set play. McKenzie nudged the conversion over to hand the All Blacks a commanding lead at the break.

It did not take the New Zealanders long to make their mark in the second half with Reece crossing after just five minutes. However, they would have to wait until the hour mark before replacement De Groot showed off his power close to the line.

A Fijian rally did not yield a point but slowed the bleeding until two minutes from time until Bell, another debutant, scored on a memorable day. McKenzie nailed yet another conversion to round out a solid shift from the All Blacks.

The teams

All Blacks:  15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements:  16 George Bell, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Jordie Barrett, 23 Emoni Narawa

Fiji:  15 Vilimoni Botitu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Albert Tuisue, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Sireli Maqala

Referee:  Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees:  Anthony Woodthorpe (England), Luke Rogan (USA)
TMO:  Ian Tempest (England)

All Blacks great Sam Whitelock signs off in style for Barbarians against Fiji

All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock signed off from rugby in style on Saturday as he led the Barbarians to a 45-32 victory over an impressive Fiji at Twickenham Stadium.

Try doubles from Lachlan Boshier, Jonny May and Leicester Fainga’anuku were added to by a crossing from Zach Mercer as an end-to-end game was won by the Barbarians.

Indeed, an under-strength Fiji side pushed the famous invitational outfit all the way in London as a Epeli Momo hat-trick and Kemu Valentini’s try saw them press for the win.

However, it was to be the Barbarians’ and Whitelock’s day in the sunshine as the All Blacks stalwart received a rousing round of applause when he was replaced late on.

The 35-year-old put in an excellent shift and showed little signs of slowing down, which has led to many fans discussing whether he could continue playing at the highest level.

His partnership at lock with England international David Ribbans caught the eye at Twickenham but it was Boshier, May and Fainga’anuku who crossed for the Baa-baas.

Article continues below.

The end of a LEGENDARY career 👏 👏

Twickenham rises to its feet for the @AllBlacks’ Sam Whitelock #Baabaas #KillikCup pic.twitter.com/wxgYEUhIze

— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) June 22, 2024

The trio were always looking for work as the wings appeared to relish their time in the jersey while flanker Boshier once again showed just what an under-rated player he is.

Crusaders’ Chay Fihaki also starred at full-back while Gael Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa ― former France teammates ― showed flashes of quality as they reconnected at centre.

However, perhaps the standout player at Twickenham was Momo, who claimed a wonderful hat-trick as a young and inexperienced Fiji proved that the future is bright.

Indeed, Fiji head coach Mick Byrne and his players will take a great deal from this narrow loss ahead of their upcoming Tests against Georgia and New Zealand.

But amidst all those takeaways from an entertaining game will be a lasting one of Whitelock’s departure as a true, evergreen, rugby union great hangs up his boots.

The teams

Barbarians:  15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Jonny May, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Danny Care, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Jack Cornelsen, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 David Ribbans, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements:  16 Shota Horie, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Liam Mitchell, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Cameron Woki

Fiji:  15 Vilimoni Botitu, 14 Epeli Momo, 13 Epeli Waqaicece, 12 Apisalome Vota, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Peni Matawalu, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Ratu Derenalagi, 5 Ratu Rotuisolia, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Livai Natave
Replacements:  16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Meli Tuni, 19 Isoa Nasilasila, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Kemueli Valetini, 23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Referee:  Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant Referees:  Ben Whitehouse (Wales), Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
TMO:  Stuart Terheege (England)

Owen Farrell drop goal helps England edge fantastic Fiji in quarter-final

A late drop goal and penalty from Owen Farrell helped England edge a superb Fiji side on Sunday, winning 30-24 to seal a Rugby World Cup semi-final spot.

Fiji threw everything they could at the English in a game that ran until the 86th minute, but the Red Rose held on to claim a tense quarter-final win in Marseille.

England enjoyed a positive first half as tries from centres Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant were added to by Farrell’s boot as they jogged in 21-10 in the lead.

However, Fiji fought their way back into the match and were level at one stage thanks to tries from Bill Mata, Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu in a tough loss.

England are the only home union side to reach the last four following the demise of Wales and Ireland in this weekend’s quarter-finals but they rode their luck at times during a frenzied second half having played smart rugby before the interval.

The result avenged their first ever loss to Fiji in August and by reaching the penultimate stage of the World Cup they have surpassed expectations given they entered the tournament on the back of five defeats in six Tests.

There was no sign of the fireworks to come as England surged ahead, capitalising on their opponents’ indiscipline to score three points through Farrell before a second penalty produced a line-out drive that ended with Tuilagi diving over in the left corner.

Roared on by fans, Marcus Smith ran from deep but was swallowed up by the Islanders and the drama continued with Maro Itoje intercepting and racing into space before Tom Curry made a dangerously low tackle on Josua Tuisova.

Curry’s offence allowed Frank Lomani to kick three points but England replied with waves of attacks and their tempo stretched Fiji’s defence, allowing Marchant to jink over.

Fiji wing Vinaya Habosi was sent to the sin-bin for a high hit on Smith, who departed for an HIA, but his side were the next over in a breathless first half when Mata scooped up a loose ball, dummied and strolled over.

Itoje and Courtney Lawes were battered as the Islanders made their presence felt in defence but England continued to force penalties that allowed Farrell to land six more points.

Fiji infringed freely as their opponents racked up time in possession, but two wayward Farrell kicks after he had fired a smart chip into space provided a route out of difficulty and they started moving the ball with menace until Lawes turned them over.

The second half was more ragged and England’s play was frantic at times, lacking the control evident earlier, but the scoreboard kept ticking over as Farrell extended their lead to 14 points.

Fiji lost the ball time and again, preventing them from building any momentum, but they faced a muscular defence.

Finally they broke through, Ravai concluding a sustained assault and when the conversion was added, the deficit was down to a converted try.

The tide had turned and when a Simione Kuruvoli penalty struck the upright, it fell to Fiji and they pounded away at the favourites until Isoa Nasilasila forced a gap and Botitu touched down.

🎯 Clutch drop goal from Owen Farrell.#RWC2023 #ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/EuBTDOUPxe

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) October 15, 2023

Farrell replied with his drop-goal and when Earl broke clear to relieve the pressure of a Fiji attack, sprinting 60 metres downfield, a penalty was forced that Farrell rifled over.

The Islanders fell short with one final attack and when the full-time whistle sounded they collapsed to the floor in disappointment.

The teams

England:  15 Marcus Smith, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements:  16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 George Martin, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Ollie Lawrence

Fiji:  15 Ilasaia Droasese, 14 Vinaya Habosi, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Albert Tuisue, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tavita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Meli Derenalagi, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Iosefo Masi, 23 Sireli Maqala

Referee:  Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees:  Nic Berry (Australia), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO:  Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

Portugal claim historic first Rugby World Cup win but Fiji still progress

Fiji survived an almighty scare against a superb Portugal side as they progress to the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, despite losing 24-23 on Sunday.

It was an historic first ever tournament win for Os Lobos as a frantic finish saw them come out on top thanks to a late converted try at Stadium de Toulouse.

While defeat for Fiji will be a tough result to swallow, they still move onto the last-eight of the World Cup at the expense of the Wallabies, who crash out.

Fiji will now face England in the knockout stages while Eddie Jones' Australia head home after bowing out at the pool stage for the first time in their history.

After a scrappy first half ended 3-3, the game came to life in the second half with Portugal seizing the initiative.

The underdogs got the first try in the 45th minute when the impressive Raffaele Storti, who narrowly missed a try in the first half, chased down a kick into the corner from Pedro Bettencourt and stretched to touch down, with Samuel Marques kicking the conversion.

That fired Fiji into life and just three minutes later Levani Botia replied with a powerful run before Frank Lomani levelled the scores with the extras.

But Botia was then sent to the sin bin for making head contact and Portugal were quick to make Fiji pay as they powered their way over the line with Francisco Fernandes touching down, Marques making it 17-10.

Fiji responded once more, working the ball out for Mesake Doge to go over before Lomani tied the scores, and they looked on course for victory as Lomani kicked a couple of penalties in the last 10 minutes to put Fiji 23-17 up.

But there was one last bit of drama as Storti raced towards the line and then fed Rodrigo Marta to finish it off in the 78th minute, with Marques splitting the posts to give Portugal a shock win.

The moments that made history #RWC2023 | #FIJvPOR pic.twitter.com/fc5pMOCisU

― Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 8, 2023

The teams

Fiji:  15 Sireli Maqala, 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Meli Derenalagi, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Iosefo Masi

Portugal:  15 Manuel Cardoso Pinto, 14 Raffaele Storti, 13 Pedro Bettencourt, 12 José Lima (c), 11 Rodrigo Marta, 10 Jerónimo Portela, 9 Samuel Marques, 8 Rafael Simões, 7 Nicolas Martins, 6 David Wallis, 5 Steevy Cerqueira, 4 José Madeira, 3 Diogo Hasse Ferreira, 2 Mike Tadjer, 1 Francisco Fernandes
Replacements:  16 David Costa, 17 Duarte Diniz, 18 Anthony Alves, 19 Duarte Torgal, 20 João Granate, 21 João Belo, 22 Tomás Appleton, 23 Vincent Pinto

Referee:  Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees:  Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO:  Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

Fiji move a step closer to the quarter-finals after tense victory over Georgia

Fiji will have to wait to secure their passage into the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals despite overcoming Georgia 17-12 in Bordeaux.

The Pacific Islanders needed a win with a try bonus-point over the Lelos to make sure of their place in the last-eight, but they could only touch down two times.

Quite frankly, they will be thankful for those scores as they found themselves 9-0 behind at the break following penalties from Luka Matkava and David Niniashvili.

Georgia were hugely impressive, forcing their opponents into a number of handling errors, but the Flying Fijians' greater quality eventually told.

Simon Raiwalui's men calmed themselves down in the second period, stopped dropping the ball so much and went over twice through Waisea Nayacalevu and Vinaya Habosi.

That, alongside seven points from the boot of Frank Lomani, was enough to claim the win and take them to within touching distance of the knockout stages.

Should Australia fail to pick up a bonus-point victory over Portugal, that will be enough for Fiji, but more than likely they will need to claim something from their final pool game against Os Lobos.

Georgia's opportunism and brilliant defence gave them a surprise nine-point lead at the break.

Matkava opened the scoring, with the boot of Niniashvili adding six points from long range.

It was the first time Fiji had gone into the interval scoreless in a Test in six years.

Fiji finally got on the scoreboard six minutes into the second half as skipper Nayacalevu produced a brilliant finish under pressure to sneak over in the corner.

Lomani added a difficult conversion and, strengthened by the return of Semi Radradra from the sin bin, Fiji piled on the pressure.

Lomani's penalty gave them the lead for the first time with 15 minutes remaining.

Three minutes later Levani Botia charged through a gap and found Habosi, who sprinted over unopposed.

Lomani landed the conversion but there was more drama in the final minute as Josua Tuisova was sent to the sin bin for making head contact on Miriani Modebadze.

Matkava kicked his second penalty and Fiji survived from the final play of the game when Niniashvili broke down the left and kicked ahead, only for Ilaisa Droasese, behind his line, to hack the ball to safety.

The teams

Fiji:  15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Vinaya Habosi

Georgia:  15 Miriani Modebadze, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Demur Tapladze, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 11 Davit Niniashvili, 10 Luka Matkava, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Tornike Jalagonia, 7 Beka Saginadze, 6 Mikheil Gachechiladze, 5 Konstantine Mikautadze, 4 Lasha Jaiani, 3 Beka Gigashvili, 2 Tengizi Zamtaradze, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili (c)
Replacements:  16 Luka Nioradze, 17 Nika Abuladze, 18 Irakli Aptsiauri, 19 Nodar Cheishvili, 20 Luka Ivanishvili, 21 Gela Aprasidze, 22 Tedo Abzhandadze, 23 Tornike Kakhoidze

Referee:  Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant Referees:  Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO:  Tom Foley (England)

Fiji claim famous win over the Wallabies to throw Pool C wide open

Fiji picked up their first victory of the 2023 Rugby World Cup as they claimed the scalp of the Wallabies, winning 22-15 at Stade Geoffroy Guichard on Sunday.

The famous win throws Pool C wide open as the islanders move on to six points, level with Australia and four behind Wales with two matches still to play.

A second-half try from Josua Tuisova as well as 14 points from the boot of Simione Kuruvoli and a Frank Lomani penalty saw Fiji to a crucial pool success.

For Australia this was a sobering loss as they were well beaten on the day, with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Suliasi Vunivalu's tries their only highlights.

This was Simon Raiwalui's team's first win over Australia since 1954 and it was hugely deserved as they dominated with and without the ball on Sunday.

Fiji were looking to bounce back from an agonising opening loss to Wales while the Wallabies had kicked off their Pool C campaign by seeing off Georgia.

Therefore the islanders knew it was pretty much win or bust in terms of their hopes of progressing to the knockouts, with a real drive evident early on.

Australia full-back Ben Donaldson was opportunistic early on and punished a Fiji high tackle when he converted the first opportunity of the game to give his side a 3-0 lead after three minutes.

The Pacific Islanders sought a response through scrum-half Kuruvoli, who tied the score before slotting another penalty to give his side a 6-3 lead after 20 minutes.

The first try of the game came in the 22nd minute through Nawaqanitawase.  The wing chased the long ball, took a quick lineout and combined with Samu Kerevi before he received the offload to add five more to to Australia's tally.

But the Wallabies' hard work started to unravel through ill-discipline and they started to concede needless penalties, much to the delight of Kuruvoli who added six more and the half ended 12-8 in favour of the Fijians.

Fiji extended their lead when Carter Gordon misjudged the bounce of a high ball which invited Tuisova to storm through and make it 19-8 in the 42nd minute.

Vunivalu went over late on for Australia after Fiji scored another penalty but it was not enough and they held on to complete a memorable 22-15 victory.

Fiji in the final? 👀#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ | @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/rhSTa9VWzv

― Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 17, 2023

The teams

Australia:  15 Ben Donaldson, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Nick Frost, 3 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements:  16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Suliasi Vunivalu

Fiji:  15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Vinaya Habosi

Referee:  Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees:  Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Chris Busby (Ireland)
TMO:  Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

Wales cling on to edge Rugby World Cup thriller against Fiji

Wales had to hang on with their fingernails as they edged Fiji in a thrilling Rugby World Cup Pool C match in Bordeaux, winning 32-26 on Sunday.

The Fijians came agonisingly close to recovering from 32-14 down with just seven minutes remaining, but a knock-on from Semi Radradra ended their fight.

Earlier, Wales had crossed the try-line through Josh Adams, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit and Elliot Dee, with Dan Biggar kicking 12 points off the tee.

For Fiji, their scorers were Waisea Nayacalevu, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Josua Tuisova and Mesake Losilosi Doge, but they will rue this loss as one that got away.

Warren Gatland masterminded two semi-final appearances during his previous reign as Wales’ head coach, and his players produced easily their best performance this year.

Biggar steered the ship impressively, while Wales’ defence often came up trumps at key moments, even somehow withholding Fiji late on after they were matched blow for blow.

Taulupe Faletau returned to Wales’ starting line-up after a calf muscle injury that sidelined him for the entire tournament warm-up schedule.

Fiji, meanwhile, showed one enforced change from the side that beat England at Twickenham last month, with fly-half Teti Tela replacing an injured Caleb Muntz.

Wales made an outstanding start, taking an 8-0 lead in as many minutes through a Biggar penalty and Adams try.

Biggar, playing in his final World Cup before retiring from Test rugby, kicked a long-range penalty before Wales carved open the Fiji defence.

North’s powerful midfield surge was taken on by scrum-half Gareth Davies before possession quickly went wide, and Adams – the top try-scorer at the 2019 World Cup in Japan – finished in style.

Fiji responded strongly, though, and Nayacalevu scored a 13th-minute try that Lomani converted.

It was a breathless contest in stamina-sapping heat, and Wales fell behind just four minutes later after Radradra broke clear, and his pass to Tagitagivalu gave him an easy run-in.

🇫🇯 Oh Fiji. #WALvFIJ #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/sAn1ReaHSS

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 10, 2023

Frank Lomani’s conversion took Fiji 14-8 ahead, ringing alarm bells for Wales, before Biggar cut the gap by landing a second penalty.

And Wales regained the lead after relentless pressure reaped its reward as Nick Tompkins sent North over between the posts, with Biggar’s conversion securing an 18-14 advantage midway through the second quarter.

Fiji thought they had gone back in front just before the break, but Saracens prop Eroni Mawi was denied a try following a lengthy review of his dive for the line.

Davies was then on the receiving end of a high tackle by Selestino Ravutaumada and departed for a head injury assessment to be replaced by Tomos Williams.  Wing Ravutaumada conceded a penalty but escaped further punishment from referee Matthew Carley as Wales held a four-point interval advantage.

Davies returned for the second period, and Biggar missed a 30-metre penalty chance before they conjured a third try in an unlikely fashion.

Sharp work by Tompkins unlocked Fiji’s defence, and skipper and flanker Jac Morgan provided the assist by kicking into space, and Rees-Zammit finished off, with Biggar’s conversion making it 25-14.

Fiji camped deep inside Wales’ 22 entering the final quarter, and it took sustained last-ditch defending to keep them out.

But the game looked to have drifted away from Fiji when Tagitagivalu was yellow-carded, and Wales scored before he had barely left the pitch.

The forwards drove a short-range lineout, and Dee claimed a touchdown that Biggar converted.

However, Wales then lost replacement prop Corey Domachowski to the sin-bin for a technical infringement, and Fiji had the final say through tries from Tuisova and Doge, but Gatland’s men held on.

The teams

Wales:  15 Liam Williams, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 George North, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Jac Morgan (c), 6 Aaron Wainwright, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements:  16 Elliot Dee, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Rio Dyer

Fiji:  15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Semi Radradra, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Albert Tuisue, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements:  16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Levani Botia, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Josua Tuisova, 23 Sireli Maqala

Referee:  Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referees:  Wayne Barnes (RFU), Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO:  Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

Fiji claim historic victory over England as Twickenham stunned

Fiji secured a stunning first-ever victory over England in their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at Twickenham as the Red Rose sunk to a new low.

The visitors created history at the home of English rugby on Saturday as Steve Borthwick’s men fell to a 30-22 loss in front of a disappointed home crowd.

Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi and Simione Kuruvoli got Fiji’s tries, while Caleb Muntz kicked 15 points via three conversions and three penalty goals.

Jonny May, Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant went over for England, but the hosts came up short in another big setback ahead of their World Cup campaign.

Wales and Australia will be eyeing their clashes with their Pool D rivals nervously, having seen what what unfolded in front of a disappointing crowd of 56,854 at Twickenham.

It was England’s fifth defeat in six matches and was a dismal World Cup send-off that adds to the tension surrounding their pivotal opening game against Argentina on September 9.

No-one will have felt the disappointment more than captain Courtney Lawes, who was making his 100th appearance on a day that is expected to see England drop beneath Fiji in the global rankings.

Borthwick had said the listlessness seen in the previous three warm-up matches was a result of being in the midst of a conditioning block and that they would benefit when the load was reduced.

As they made the brightest start of their four warm-up games, they certainly looked like a side with fresh purpose – Manu Tuilagi making early dents, George Ford fizzing a pass to Ollie Lawrence and May supplying the determined kick-chase that had been missing in Dublin.

May quickly decorated his international comeback with a first try since November 2021 in the left corner after Alex Mitchell and Ford found the veteran Gloucester wing with sharp distribution from a scrum.

It was the first try scored by an England back in 261 minutes, and it began to look like Borthwick’s team were emerging from their long spell of underachievement.

But the rest of the first-half belonged to Fiji, and once their first attack had unfolded amid a downpour, Muntz landed a penalty.

The heavy rain had stopped and, while handling was still treacherous, the well-organised Islanders continued to probe for openings that almost produced a dynamic try for Nayacalevu that was ruled out for a marginal forward pass.

Under-pressure, England wrestled back the ball and were only denied in the right corner by a try-saving tackle on Max Malins that took place in the moments after prop Eroni Mawi committed a yellow card breakdown offence.

With Mawi still in the sin-bin, Fiji ran in their first try with a little help from weak tackles by May and Freddie Steward on Selestino Ravutaumada that enabled Nayacalevu to cross at the end of a slickly-orchestrated attack.

🙌 HISTORY MAKERS! FIJI CLAIM FIRST-EVER WIN OVER ENGLAND!

🇫🇯🤯 AND THEY HAVE DONE IT AT TWICKENHAM! WOW! #ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/UgxW5cHqP8

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 26, 2023

A brief England assault followed, but once this subsided, they paid the price for Ben Earl switching off around the ruck to allow Habosi to dart clear and race over the line.

Smith touched down a Ford chip as tension mounted at Twickenham, but with Muntz landing another penalty, they still trailed, although there was evidence they had found a second wind.

That was confirmed when Joe Marchant capitalised on the space down the right, but when Danny Care dropped the restart, they were back under the cosh, and the ruthless Fijians pounced through Kuruvoli to claim a famous win.

France’s second-string prove too strong for spirited Fiji side

France continued their Rugby World Cup preparations with a deserved 34-17 triumph over Fiji at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday.

Despite fielding a makeshift side, Les Bleus still impressed and opened up a 16-3 advantage through Peato Mauvaka’s try and three Melvyn Jaminet penalties.

Tevita Ikanivere then responded for the visitors, adding to Caleb Muntz’s earlier three-pointer, but Uini Atonio gave the home side an 11-point buffer at the break.

France would remain in control of the match in the second period with Sekou Macalou’s try and the accurate boot of Jaminet completing the win.

The Frenchmen were playing for their World Cup places, with Fabien Galthie announcing his final 33 next week, but those on the field rose to the challenge.

Jaminet and Louis Bielle-Biarrey are two individuals who may be on the fringes at the moment, but they did all they could to force their way in.

The latter, who is just 20, was constantly involved, making a number of searing breaks, while the former benefited from the wing’s work, kicking accurately off the tee after the Fijians had infringed.

Les Bleus exerted plenty of pressure in the early stages and earned three kickable penalties, which Jaminet converted for a 9-0 lead.

Muntz responded with one of his own but France were doing most of the running and Mauvaka rewarded their endeavour by touching down.

To Fiji’s credit, they continued to battle and got themselves back into the game when hooker Ikanivere barged over from close range.

However, France remained in the ascendency and moved 21-10 in front at the break as Atonio crossed the whitewash.

Jaminet then extended the hosts’ buffer with a fourth penalty but the Flying Fijians would not go away and were back in the contest via Semi Radradra’s effort.

The Pacific Islanders were competing well with the World Cup hosts but an error from Frank Lomani put the result beyond doubt.

Lomani was looking to move the ball into midfield off a lineout but it was easily read by Macalou, who intercepted and sauntered across the whitewash unopposed.

Jaminet converted for a second time and then kicked a fifth three-pointer with 10 minutes remaining to seal the win.

Five-try Fiji beat 14-man Japan to claim Pacific Nations Cup title

Fiji secured their sixth Pacific Nations Cup title after they beat Japan 35-12 in their final-round match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Tries from Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Mawi, Simi Kuruvoli and a double from Frank Lomani helped the islanders to an impressive win over the Brave Blossoms.

Ben Volavola added eight points off the tee, while for Japan, their scores came via Jone Naikabula and Semisi Masirewa, meaning they finish third on the table.

Strong start from Fiji

After withstanding an early attack from Japan, the Fijians broke downfield, and with just three minutes on the clock, centre Nayacalevu raced under the uprights.

Volavola added the simple conversion to move his outfit 7-0 to the good in a score that settled any nerves whilst denting the confidence and noise in the crowd.

The hosts’ dismal start was compounded soon after when Lappies Labuschagne was red-carded for making head-on-head contact with Vilimoni Botitu in a tackle.

Fiji would make them pay on 17 minutes as prop Mawi claimed their second try of the game as he crashed over before Volavola made it a 14-point advantage.

The Flying Fijians weren’t done in the first half either as scrum-half Kuruvoli scooted over, with Volavola’s conversion sending the visitors in 21-0 in the lead.

Volavola would miss a long-range penalty attempt shortly after the resumption, but he would convert replacement Lomani’s try from in front on 58 minutes.

The islanders then had two tries disallowed by the match officials due to obstruction and a knock-on which kept the scoreline at 28-0 with 17 minutes to play.

Japan got on the board

And with nine minutes remaining, Japan finally had something to show for their hard work, wing Naikabula getting to his feet after not being held for the try.

Masirewa would dive over on the left wing to make it 28-12, with the conversion unsuccessful before Lomani struck in added time to add gloss to Fiji’s victory.

🇫🇯 FIJI ARE PACIFIC NATIONS CUP CHAMPIONS! #FIJvJPN #PNC2023 pic.twitter.com/uR7SxMnoKN

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023

The win for Fiji sees them seal the Pacific Nations Cup title with three wins, finishing ahead of second-placed Samoa, who beat Tonga earlier on Saturday.

Fiji are drawn in the same Rugby World Cup pool as Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal and kick off their campaign against the Welsh on September 10.

Flying first-half blitz seals Fiji a victory over Pacific Island rivals Samoa

Fiji made it two from two in 2023 after defeating Manu Samoa 33-19 in their second Pacific Nations Cup clash on Saturday in Apia as they continue to build towards Rugby World Cup 2023.

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere dotted down on either side of centre Iosefo Masi’s 14th-minute try, with winger Selestino Ravutaumada adding a fourth as the Fijians romped to a 30-5 lead ― fly-half Caleb Muntz adding two conversions and two penalties.

Christian Leali’ifano’s unconverted try was Samoa’s only points of the first half as they struggled to contain the Fijians.

Samoa were able to cut the deficit in the second half thanks to tries from winger Tumua Manu and captain Fritz Lee, but in the end, Fiji did enough in the opening half to secure the 33-19 victory.

Tevita Ikanivere claims a brace

After a stellar season with the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, Ikanivere opened the scoring with a quickly taken penalty just seven minutes into the clash ― this coming after Leali’ifano missed a just chance to put Samoa ahead with a penalty just three minutes prior.

Fiji captain Semi Radradra set up his centre partner Masi, who was on debut, for his try with a brilliant skip pass to further the visitors’ lead.

After Ikanivere grabbed his second in the 17th minute, it was looking grim for the hosts as they were leaking a point a minute, trailing 17-0.

Samoa finally got on the board through Leali’ifano in the 20th minute as he crossed the whitewash, but it was from the kind performance that earned the side a 24-22 victory over Japan last week.

Fiji had the final say of the half as Ravutaumada sped down the touchline to score his side’s fourth try, with Muntz adding the conversion and two more penalties.

The hosts looked to mount a comeback with a bright start to the second half as Manu scored six minutes after the break, and captain Lee dotted down just after the hour mark.

However, the deficit was just too large as Muntz added just three points to Fiji’s tally in the second 40 minutes.

The win keeps Fiji at the top of the Pacific Nations Cup standings on 10 points as they look set to take the title off Samoa as they make the trip to Japan next week for their final match.

Speaking after the game, Fiji captain Radradra said, “The first half, we really did well, but we let them come back in the second.  Hopefully, we can make some improvements for next week.”

Samoa skipper Lee said that his side could take some learnings from the clash:  “There’s a lot of things to work on, but there’s definitely a lot of positives as well,” the number eight said.  “We’ve got to move on towards the World Cup, and we look forward to playing next week (against Tonga).”

Fiji hold off Tonga to clinch Pacific Nations Cup victory in Lautoka

Fiji made a superb start to their Pacific Nations Cup campaign when they sealed a hard-fought 36-20 victory over Tonga in Lautoka on Saturday.

In a fast-paced and entertaining encounter, Fiji held the upper-hand for most of this match, but unlike the previous Test between these sides ― which Fiji won 36-0 in Suva last year ― the ‘Ikale Tahi were more competitive.

Solid Test debut or Caleb Muntz

In the end, Fiji proved too strong, however, and they eventually outscored their visitors by five tries to three while debutant fly-half Caleb Muntz had a solid outing as he contributed nine points courtesy of three conversions and a penalty.

Fiji made a fantastic start, and after an extended period of pressure inside Tonga’s half, they were rewarded with a penalty try, and Tonga’s flanker Tanginoa Halaifonua was also yellow carded for his indiscretion, which led to the score.

The hosts continued to dominate and held a 19-0 lead by the 12th minute after their captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, and Sam Matavesi crossed for tries in quick succession.

Tonga needed a response, and they did just that by playing a tighter game, with their forwards more prominent during the rest of the half, and that tactic reaped rewards as Siua Maile and Halaleva Fifita crossed for tries.

Otumaka Mausia succeeded with one conversion and also added a penalty which meant the ‘Ikale Tahi were back in the game as they trailed their hosts by four points.

Despite the visitors’ fightback, Fiji responded when Josua Tuisova crossed for another converted try which meant they held a 26-15 lead at half-time.

The second half was a tighter affair, and Tonga were fastest out of the blocks when replacement back Kyren Taumoefolau crossed for their third try after Charles Piutau had done well in the build-up.

With the score 26-20 to the home side, Tonga were back in the match, and they continued to be competitive for the rest of the second half.

Tight battle

The game’s final quarter was a closely fought battle characterised by great physicality from both sides.  In the 70th minute, Muntz slotted a penalty after Tonga were blown up for straying offside on defence.

That gave Fiji some breathing space, and they secured victory in the game’s closing stages when Peni Matawalu crossed for their fifth five-ponter after a strong driving maul.

Ireland muscle past Fiji in far from perfect showing

A much-changed Ireland got the job done against Fiji in their second Autumn Nations Series fixture as they won 35-17 in Dublin on Saturday.

Two tries from Nick Timoney were added to by a score apiece from Robert Baloucoune, Mack Hansen and Cian Healy as the Irish prevailed once again.

In reply there were Fijian tries from Kalaveti Ravouvou and Simione Kuruvoli but a red card for Albert Tuisue hurt their hopes of a taking a shock win.

Fiji played most of a stop-start second half a man down after Gloucester flanker Tuisue was dismissed for ploughing into the head of Joey Carbery, while Manasa Saulo and Api Ratuniyarawa each spent spells in the sin bin.

Despite a fragmented display featuring opportunities for a handful of fringe players, the stuttering Irish were never in serious danger of slipping to a first defeat to the Pacific islanders as they warmed up for next weekend’s showdown with Australia in victorious fashion.

Yet, in addition to the premature departure of Carbery, an early injury sustained by Robbie Henshaw was further concern for the home team following their 16th victory from 18 Tests.

Head coach Farrell made nine alterations to the starting XV which toppled South Africa amid a mini injury crisis, with Tadhg Furlong becoming the 109th man to captain Ireland.

Ahead of kick-off the crowd paid tribute to former Ireland international Paul McNaughton, who died on Sunday aged 69.

The subdued atmosphere continued into the game and those spectators who were contributing noise were quickly stunned into silence by Fiji’s rapid start.

Teti Tela was wayward with an early penalty but, having regained possession, the free-running Fijians ripped through the Irish defence, culminating in centre Ravouvou racing clear to dive over following slick interplay between captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Seta Tuicuvu and Vinaya Habosi.

There was ripple of appreciative applause among the home fans and Ireland’s sloppy beginning was compounded by Henshaw limping off in the aftermath of Tela’s successful conversion.

With the Irish having downed the Springboks and poised to take on the Wallabies, rival coach Vern Cotter claimed the hosts may have their minds on other matters and would use this match as a “training session”.

Farrell’s men eventually began to dispel that theory as flanker Timoney burrowed over twice in quick succession, either side of Kieran Treadwell seeing a score ruled out on review due to a failure to ground.

Fiji, who had prop Saulo sin-binned following an accumulation of infringements, briefly reduced the arrears through a Teti penalty, before Jimmy O’Brien’s superb line break followed by a fine Jamison Gibson-Park pass gave Baloucoune a simple finish on the right.

Carbery, given another opportunity to deputise for influential captain Johnny Sexton, nailed the difficult conversion, to maintain his flawless record and tighten the home side’s grip on the scoreboard going into the break.

The unfortunate Munster man’s opportunity to impress was cut short as he left the field in the 46th minute following Tuisue’s crude shoulder-led challenge, resulting in a Test debut for provincial team-mate Jack Crowley.

Cards hurt Fiji during the game

Fiji were then briefly down to 13 players as London Irish lock Ratuniyarawa was yellow carded.

Ireland eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage when Hansen crossed for a deserved try, with 22-year-old Crowley adding the first of his two conversions.

Vintage Fijian rugby featuring slick hands and fine offloads sent replacement Kuruvoli over 16 minutes from time to give the depleted visitors faint hope of an unlikely fightback.

But veteran prop Healy ensured Ireland had the last say, bulldozing over to cap an 11th consecutive win on home soil, a record Farrell’s men will hope to improve when they round off their November appointments against Australia in seven days.

Scotland made to graft for victory over spirited Fiji

Scotland got the job done but were made to work very hard for their 28-12 victory over Fiji in their Autumn Nations Series international at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Although the Scots outscored their visitors by four tries to two, their overall performance left a lot to be desired and it was only a strong second half effort from the hosts which eventually sealed their win.

In the end, tries from George Turner, Adam Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe and Ben White got the job done for the hosts with Hastings and Blair Kinghorn adding a brace of conversions apiece.

For Fiji, Setariki Tuicuvu and Ratu Rotuisolia crossed the whitewash while Vilimoni Botitu slotted a conversion.

The hosts looked set for a smooth afternoon when Turner’s early try put them ahead, but the visitors ― under the charge of former Scotland head coach Vern Cotter ― hit back with their tries and temporarily had the hosts on the ropes.

Touchdowns either side of the interval from Hastings and Van der Merwe helped Gregor Townsend’s side regain the upper hand, however, before replacement White added a further score in the closing stages.

In just the second minute, Fiji suffered a setback when debutant Rotuisolia was sent to the sin-bin for foul play.

The hosts made the extra man count as they bossed the early stages and after a sustained period of pressure, Turner pushed his way over from a rolling maul in the seventh minute for the game’s opening try.  Hastings ― given his chance to stake a claim for the stand-off berth vacated by high-profile absentee Finn Russell ― was successful with the conversion.

The Pacific islanders had a good chance to get their first points on the board in the 11th minute when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, but Tuicuvu sent his kick wastefully wide from.

Three minutes later, Tuicuvu made amends with a try on the right at the end of a lovely flowing Fijian attack.  Once again the wing’s kicking was well off, though, as he fluffed his conversion attempt.

Fiji had gained the initiative, however, and Rotuisolia ― back on after his early yellow card ― gave them the lead when he touched down on the left in the 23rd minute.

To add to Scotland’s woes, Stuart Hogg was sent to the sin-bin as a result of his team being persistently penalised.  Botitu took over kicking duties and made no mistake with the conversion.

During Hogg’s time on the sidelines, the Scots were on the back foot and fortunate not to concede any more points as they somehow withstood some intense Fijian pressure.

They rediscovered their composure after the full-back returned to the fray to even up the numbers.  In the last action of the first half, Hastings produced an impressive piece of skill to get himself free and touch down behind the posts after Ali Price had fed him following a scrum.

Narrow half-time lead for Scotland

The try-scorer converted from close range to edge Scotland back in front at the break, much to the relief of the home crowd.

It proved to be Hastings’ last notable involvement in the game as he was forced off with a head knock two minutes into the second half, with Kinghorn taking his place.

The Scots stretched their lead in the 49th minute when Van der Merwe received a looping pass from Chris Harris on the left and stepped away from two Fijians before touching down.

Kinghorn, who came under scrutiny after missing a last-gasp penalty in last weekend’s 16-15 defeat by Australia, kept his composure on this occasion to kick clinically between the posts from wide on the left.

Fiji’s Vinaya Habosi was sin-binned in the 61st minute for a high tackle on Scotland replacement Rory Sutherland.

Cameron Redpath thought he had scored in the 73rd minute, only for the try to be chalked off for a knock-on following a TMO review, although Fiji were penalised in the form of their third yellow card of the afternoon, which was shown to Livai Natave.

The Scots were able to celebrate their fourth try of the match just seconds later when White claimed possession from the back of the scrum and scurried over.  Kinghorn added the extras.

Scotland wing Darcy Graham was yellow-carded in the last minute but his team had already done enough to secure victory.

Nervy Wales edge past 14-man Fiji

Fiji will be kicking themselves after they were potentially denied a famous victory over Wales following a needless red card for Eroni Sau.

The Pacific Islanders started the match superbly and took a 13-7 lead through Waisea Nayacalevu’s try and two Ben Volavola penalties ― Ryan Elias responding for the hosts.

However, Sau was sent off for a cheap shot on Johnny Williams and that ultimately proved costly in the end.

Wayne Pivac’s men struggled throughout but the pressure eventually told, despite a valiant effort from the visitors as Kieran Hardy, Alex Cuthbert, Elias and Louis Rees-Zammit secured a 38-23 victory.

Wales prop WillGriff John was handed a first Test start, with the Scarlets forward replacing Tomas Francis, who suffered concussion during training on Friday.

Wasps flanker Thomas Young made his first Wales appearance for more than two years, and wing Cuthbert returned following a four-year international absence, but centre Josh Adams was a late withdrawal and Saracens’ Nick Tompkins started.

Fiji stunned Wales with a try after just four minutes as they struck from their first attack.

The ball was moved at a rapid rate of knots, number eight Viliame Mata delivered a superb pass to skipper Nayacalevu and the centre sprinted over, with Volavola converting.

Wales’ troubles did not end there either, as John was forced off injured ― he was replaced by Dillon Lewis ― and Volavola kicked a penalty to move Fiji 10-0 ahead.

But the home side then opened their account through an 11th-minute touchdown for Elias as Fiji’s forwards were driven backwards from a lineout before Biggar’s conversion made it 10-7.

John failed a head injury assessment, meaning Lewis became a permanent replacement, but Fiji soon encountered major problems as Sau was sent off by referee Nic Berry following a swinging arm hit to Wales centre Johnny Williams’ head.

Berry had a lengthy discussion with television match official Stuart Terheege, having initially looked at issuing a yellow card, but a red was unquestionably the correct decision.

Wales exerted relentless pressure as the interval approached and Fiji were reduced to 13 players when flanker Albert Tuisue was sin-binned for a technical infringement.

And the home side pounced from close range, with Hardy darting over for a try that Biggar converted.

Wales thought they had added a third try on the stroke of half-time after Rees-Zammit caught Biggar’s kick and sprinted clear, but the ball had drifted over the touchline during build-up play and the score was disallowed, meaning Wales had a 14-13 lead at the break.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, though, Fiji regained the lead three minutes into the second period when Volavola kicked a 45-metre penalty.

Wales coach Wayne Pivac began to make changes, sending on Ospreys prop Gareth Thomas and Cardiff scrum-half Tomos Williams, before Volavola should have extended Fiji’s lead, but he drifted a penalty attempt wide.

But the visitors did not have to wait much longer for a second try as a brilliant move from deep inside their own half was finished by Nayacalevu and Volavola’s successful touchline conversion made it 23-14.

Wales, though, staged a grandstand finish with tries for Elias, Cuthbert, Rees-Zammit and Williams during a devastating 17-minute spell, and Fiji’s outstanding effort ultimately proved fruitless during an outstanding contest.

Sevu Reece hat-trick powers All Blacks past Fiji

Sevu Reece scored a hat-trick of tries as the All Blacks claimed a deserved 60-13 victory against Fiji in Hamilton on Saturday.

Samisoni Taukei’aho (2), Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, and Shannon Frizell also went over for tries for New Zealand while Richie Mo’unga kicked five conversions and a penalty, and Beauden Barrett also slotted a conversion.

For Fiji, Peni Ravai crossed the whitewash and Ben Volavola succeeded with a conversion and three penalties.

Fiji made a fantastic start and had the All Blacks defence at sixes and sevens after a superb line break from Eneriko Buliruarua.  New Zealand strayed offside as their opponents hammered away at their try-line and Volavola opened the scoring off the kicking tee in the fifth minute.

The visitors held the upper hand during the next 10 minutes but couldn’t increase their lead and that proved costly as the All Blacks struck back with Reece’s first try in the 15th minute.  This, after David Havili ran onto a pass from Ardie Savea on Fiji’s 22 and the inside centre beat a couple of defenders before offloading to Reece, who scored under the posts.

That did not deter Fiji, who continued with their attacking style of play but despite another foray into the All Blacks’ half, they could not breach the hosts’ defence and had to settle for another penalty from Volavola midway through the half.

New Zealand continued to soak up the pressure and also had some good attacking moments.  But when they did launch attacks into Fiji’s half they were met by a solid defensive effort from their opponents.  Fiji committed several breakdown infringements, however, and on the half-hour mark Mo’unga slotted a penalty which gave his side a 10-6 lead.

Shortly afterwards, New Zealand launched an attack from a scrum inside Fiji’s 22 and Reece soon found himself in space out wide before going over in the left-hand corner for his second try.

New Zealand’s forwards then put their team on the front foot with strong carries deep inside Fiji’s 22 with Savea and Luke Jacobson stopped just short of the try-line.  The ball eventually came out to the backs and Mo’unga found Reece with a long pass and the wing cantered in for his hat-trick.

Fiji’s captain, Leone Nakarawa, was also yellow carded after referee Damon Murphy had warned the team for continuous infringements shortly before Reece’s third five-pointer.

Just before half-time, Savea powered through the Fijian defence to score his try which meant the hosts had their tails up with the score 29-6 in their favour at the interval.

A great series against our @fijirugby brothers.#NZLvFIJ #SteinlagerSeries pic.twitter.com/hWlD84Ul7w

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 17, 2021

New Zealand continued to dominate in the second half and shortly after the restart Jordan dotted down after running onto a Mo’unga pass deep inside Fiji’s half.

Fiji’s response was immediate and they did well to launch a lineout drive on the All Blacks’ five-metre line before Ravai broke away from the maul to cross for a deserved five-pointer.

Volavola added the extras but that was the last time the visitors would score points as the All Blacks took control of proceedings during the rest of the match.

In the 51st minute, replacement back Ioane had an easy run-in after good work from Mo’unga in the build-up and on the hour-mark Taukei’aho scored off the back of a lineout drive deep inside Fijian territory.

It was one way traffic during the game’s final quarter and the All Blacks were rewarded with further tries from Frizell and Taukei’aho which sealed a convincing victory.

All Blacks put 50 past Fiji in Dunedin

New Zealand outmuscled Fiji in their Test encounter to claim a hard-fought 57-23 victory in Dunedin on Saturday.

In a fast-paced and exciting game, New Zealand found things very different to last week, when they thrashed Tonga, and they were under the cosh for long periods against Fiji but eventually outscored their opponents nine tries to two.

Replacement hooker Dane Coles led the way with four five-pointers, with David Havili (2), Jordie Barrett, George Bridge and Will Jordan also crossing for tries and Beauden Barrett adding six conversions.

For Fiji, Albert Tuisue and Mesulame Kunavula dotted down and they were also rewarded with a penalty try while Ben Volavola succeeded with two penalties.

If truth be told Fiji’s physicality in contact and at the breakdown surprised their hosts but the introduction of the All Blacks’ replacements in the second half ― with Coles prominent ― proved to be the difference between the sides in the end.

The visitors were fastest out of the blocks and Volavola opened the scoring off the kicking tee after six minutes before the game came alive three minutes later when full-back Barrett crossed the whitewash for the opening try.

Fiji responded with another penalty from Volavola but the All Blacks were the dominant side and midway through the half they took control of proceedings when Havili scored his tries in quick succession.

In the 18th minute, Havili stepped past a couple of defenders inside Fiji’s 22 before crossing the whitewash and three minutes later he powered his way through the Pacific Islanders’ defence again to score under the posts.

Despite those scores, Fiji did not panic and they took the fight to their more illustrious opponents.  That tactic reaped reward in the 28th minute when Tuisue scored their first try off the back of a lineout drive and, with the score 21-11 to the home side, Fiji were still in the game.

New Zealand made a terrific start to the second half and three minutes after the restart Bridge cantered in for their fourth try after Codie Taylor and Havili did well in the build-up.

That did not deter the visitors though and shortly afterwards Sam Matavesi found himself in space down the left-hand touchline ― after an innovative lineout move just inside New Zealand’s 22 ― and he did brilliantly to shrug off tackles from Brodie Retallick and Sevu Reece ― before offloading to Kunavula, who barged over for his team’s second five-pointer.

That meant the All Blacks were leading 26-16 but, despite trailing on the scoreboard, Fiji had their tails up and held a slight edge during the next 10 minutes.

They suffered a setback in the 52nd minute, however, when Kini Murimurivalu was yellow carded for going off his feet at a ruck and it it wasn’t long before Coles scored his first try, off the back of a lineout maul.

Although they had a numerical disadvantage, Fiji continued to attack and in the 61st minute, after New Zealand conceded several penalties inside their 22, referee Paul Williams awarded a penalty try to the visitors with Havili also sent to the sin bin for illegally collapsing a lineout drive.

That meant Fiji now had the ascendancy in numbers but they did not capitalise on that as New Zealand finished stronger in the final quarter.  Soon after, Coles scored his second try before Jordan also got his name onto the scoresheet in the 70th minute to give his side a 43-23 lead.

The closing stages was a frantic affair with both sides running the ball from all areas of the field but New Zealand had the better of the exchanges and Coles went over for two further five-pointers inside the last five minutes to add some respectability to the score for his team.