Canada 29 Fiji 40

Despite an impressive performance from the Canadian forwards, it was day for the Fijian backline to show an array of dazzling running and handling skills, with wing Fero Lasagavibau snatching two interceptions in the first half to set up a try for himself and Alfred Uluinnayu that condemned Canada to playing "catch-up" rugby for the rest of the game.

As you'd expect from two sides as athletic as Canada and Fiji, this was a physical contest of the highest order with the big hits coming fast and furious throughout and the pace never letting up.  It was a rewarding day's entertainment for one of the biggest rugby crowds seen at the Thunderbird Stadium for many years and the Fijian backs, in particular, thrived in the dry, sunny conditions and hard pitch.  The Canadians attempted to keep to their game-plan but a number of errors opened the door to Fiji whose backs looked extremely dangerous in broken play.  Two interceptions from Fero Lasagavibau -- who was without question the outstanding back on the field -- led to a score by him and by Alfred Uluinayau to give Fiji an early 12-0 lead at ten minutes.  Perhaps surprisingly the extremely dangerous Marika Vunibaka had a fairly quiet afternoon, receiving few passes and being effectively contained by his Canadian counterpart Jeremy Cordle who also showed well in attack until he was forced to leave the field during the first half with concussion.

It was the Canadian forwards who dominated throughout and the pressure they put on the Fijian tight-five kept them in the hunt right until the very end of the match.  The back row of Dan Baugh, Al Charron and John Hutchinson was extremely effective in defence, as time and time again they snuffed out promising Fijian attack.  The contribution of the breakaway trio was not limited to defensive duties, however, as they launched some fine drives and were always on hand to add continuity to the Canadian effort.  It was no surprise that Baugh had to depart early with a sore shoulder, such was his commitment in the tackled.  They battled hard and came back with two consolation tries late in the second half.  It was not enough to deny Fiji a deserved victory.

The teams:

Canada:  1 Richard Bice, 2 Mark Cardinal, 3 Rod Snow, 4 John Tait, 5 Chris Whittaker, 6 Dan Baugh, 7 John Hutchinson, 8 Alan Charron, 9 John Graf, 10 Bobby Ross, 11 Jeremy Cordle, 12 Kyle Nichols, 13 Winston Stanley, 14 Courtney Smith, 15 Joe Pagano
Reserves:  Fred Asselin, Ryan Banks, Scott Bryan, Pat Dunkley, John Thiel

Fiji:  1 Niko Qoro, 2 Isaia Rasila, 3 Joeli Veitayaki, 4 Simon Raiwalui, 5 Ifereimi Tawake, 6 Ilivasi Tamanivalu Tabua, 7 Setareki Tawake Naivaluwaqa, 8 Koli Sewabu, 9 Sami Rabaka Nasagavesi, 10 Nicky Little, 11 Fero Lasagavibau, 12 Waisake Sotutu, 13 Alfred Uluinayau, 14 Marika Vunibaka, 15 Viliame Satala
Reserves:  Billy Cavubati, Emori Katalau, Waisiki Masirewa Loco, Opeti Turuva

Attendance:  6500
Referee:  M McLemore (United States).

Points Scorers:

Canada
Tries:  Hutchinson J.R. 1, Nichols K. 1, Smith C.D. 1, Whittaker C.M. 1
Conv:  Ross R.P. 3
Pen K.:  Ross R.P. 1

Fiji
Tries:  Lasagavibau F.T. 2, Sotutu W.R.R. 1, Tawake I. 1, Uluinayau A.B. 1
Conv:  Little N.T. 3
Pen K.:  Little N.T. 3