Canada match up chance to test players for 2019 RWC
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians have sealed its first win beating Canada 38-13 in its second World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match at ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Canada was first on the score board after their fly-half Shane O’Leary slotted in a penalty kick in the 7th minute.
Flying Fijians number eight Viliame Mata grabbed the first try for the side and with the help of the powerful forwards, Peceli Yato dived over for Fiji’s next try. Fiji led 12-6.
The Flying Fijians seemed to have settled on the pitch after a slow start. After a few phases in Canada’s territory skipper Leone Nakarawa scored Fiji’s third try. The host took a 19-13 lead at the breather.
“Fijian Bus” Josua Tuisova delivered for the Flying Fijians in the second spell breaking the defence in the 48th minute and scoring a beautiful bonus point try.
Replacement hooker Mesulame Dolokoto also got his name on the score-sheet in the 70th minute. It was full time at ANZ Stadium as Fiji defeated the Canadians 38-13.
Flying Fijians Coach John McKee was impressed with the win and said it was also a timely chance to test players who have had less game time.
“It was pleasing to have that result on the score-board today with players who haven’t had much game time and it was a good hit-out as well for them today,” McKee explained.
He added despite a big win there is still a lot of areas to work on.
“We still made a few errors in the game and gave away more penalties then we liked.
“Apart from a couple of mistakes today, I thought our defence was really good and we certainly gave them a lot of chance in the driving maul,” he added.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians captain Leone Nakarawa said their campaign is not over and will have to move on after this game.
“We have been aiming for something big, the Rugby World Cup so we will take it one game at a time,” Nakarawa said.
He said they made alot of mistakes which they will need to learn, brush up and improve on before the 2019 RWC in Japan.
Fiji faces Samoa in its final PNC clash at ANZ Stadium this coming Saturday. You can purchase your tickets from Fiji Rugby, Fiji Sports and ticketdirect.com.fj