Fiji 37 United States 21

Date:  30 Jun 2000
Venue:  Apia
Attendance:  Not Recorded
Referee:  Hyde-lay i.

Despite playing at the neutral Apia, Fiji managed to record their third win in the 2000 Epson Cup as they defeated the United States 37-21.

The Fijians showed their finishing ability with four tries for maximum tournament points, while the USA, who lost their unbeaten record, managed just two.

Despite the set-back USA head coach Duncan Hall was upbeat:  "We played very positively.  We actually used the ball a lot better than Fiji which is a great credit to the guys.  We had our chances, but unfortunately there were a few mistakes as well."

Fiji were first out of the blacks, fullback Kameli Natoba raced in for a converted try in the opening minutes although Eagles answered quickly with a 35m Well's penalty kick.  Then the USA pack established pressure inside the Fijian 22m, and scrumhalf Kevin Dalzell put through a grubber kick that was mishandled by Fiji's defense, allowing USA No.8 Olo Fifita to regather and score on his debut.

While the USA had an edge in possession through most of the first half, helped by a couple of lineout steals, an isolated turnover was all the Fijians needed to spring Crusaders pace-man Marika Vunibaka for a 50m romp to make it a 14-8 margin mid-way thorugh the half.

Two more penalties from Grant Wells versus one from Fiji made it 17-14 nearing halftime.  Fiji then punished a momentary defensive lapse, crossing in the corner with about three minutes to play in the period.

After the break, the team's were deadlocked for nearly 20 minutes, until Fiji stand-off Nicky Little added a penalty and then converted the fourth Fijian try to take control of the match.  But the Eagles weren't done and an attacking lineout saw lock Philippe Farner driven to the line and then stretch out for the team's second try.

"I thought the forward pack played well," noted Hall.  "The tight five were solid."  Hall made four forward changes in the second half, subbing out both Fifita and Farner with injuries and two in the front row.

Robbie Flynn came in at hooker and prop Mike MacDonald earned his first cap in relief of Joe Clayton.  Tighthead prop Ray Lehner--a late change to the USA line-up after John McBride became ill -- played the full match.

Aided by the fresh legs, the Eagles pressured Fiji's line again inside the last ten minutes with hopes of narrowing the gap and taking at least a bonus point out of the match.  The Fijians not only withstood the pressure but created breathing space with a penalty at the death.

"The guys were disappointed, but I told them to keep their heads up," coach Hall said.  "We really took the game to Fiji.  If we can do that against Tonga, it'll be good."