Portugal run Fiji close in Lisbon

Tourists escape with a win

Fiji recorded a 26-17 over Portugal at the Estádio Universitário in Lisbon on Saturday.  After putting the wind up the Six Nations champions in Cardiff last week, it was Fiji's turn to feel the heat, and needing to draw on all their experience to muscle past an impressive Portuguese XV.

Portugal had a lively and gratifying start when veteran António Aguilar intercepted and ran some 50 metres to score a try under the posts which Cardoso Pinto easily converted.  7-0.

After this Fiji attacked until they drew level with a try by Maleli Kunavore, converted by Jack Prasad.

But Pinto goaled a penalty and after 21 minutes Portugal led 10-7.

Fijian pressure resulted in a try and then a second converted try to make the half-time score 19-10 in the visitors' favour.

Fiji continued its pressure in the second half but as in the first half the Lusos tackled with great courage.

When Joaquim Ferreira scored their second try and Pinto converted it, the game was wide open, but the big Fijians, who had dominated pressure throughout, made it safe when hooker Bill Gadolo scored.

Fiji are ranked 9th in the world by the IRB, the Portuguese 15th.

Scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries:  Kunavore, Ratuvou, Qovu, Gadolo
Cons:  Prasad 2, Vulakoro

For Portugal:
Tries:  Aguilar, Ferreira
Cons:  Pinto 2
Pens:  Pinto

The teams:

Portugal:  15 Pedro Leal, 14 Antonio Aguiar, 13 Miguel Portela, 12 Diogo Mateus, 11 Frederico Sousa, 10 Duarte C Pinto, 9 José Pinto, 8 Vasco Uva, 7João Uva (captain) , 6 Diogo Coutinho, 5 Gonçalo Uva, 4 Marcelo D´orey, 3 Joaquim Ferreira, 2 João Correia, 1 Rui Cordeiro.
Replacements:  16 Pedro Fonseca, 17 Rodrigo Aguiar, 18 Arnaud Ferreira, 19 David Penalva, 20 Luís Pissarra , 21 Filipe Grenho, 22 Pedro Carvalho

Fiji:  15 Josevata Tora, 14 Neumi Nanuku, 13 Maleli Kunavore, 12 Kameli Ratuvou, 11 Sireli Bobo, 10 Jack Prasad, 9 Mosese Rauluni (captain), 8 Jone Qovu, 7 Mosese Volavola, 6 Kiniviliame Salabogi, 5 Kelemete Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3 Apisai Nagi, 2 Viliame Gadolo, 1 Tiko Matawalu.
Replacements:  16 Apisai Turukawa, 17 Sikeli Gavidi, 18 Sisa Koyamaibole, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Saiasi Fuli, 21 Julian Vulakoro, 22 Epeli Ruivadra

Referee:  Scott Young (Australia)