Fijian Latui faces first defeat in GRR
In the battle of the two heavy weights at Churchill Park, the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui went down to Western Force by 27-15 in the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase Series today.
Latui started the match on a high note with Frank Lomani getting the first try in the 5th minute. Captain Mosese Voka was shown the yellow card 15 minutes later which allowed Western Force to bounce back.
Tries from Issak Leleiwasa, Jack Mcgregor and a successful penalty from fly-half Aj Alatimu gave the visitors 17-5 lead at the breather.
The match turned more exciting in-front of the vocal supporters in the second spell. Fijian Latui pulled a try through skipper Mosese Voka. They were once again down one man with Apisalome Vota receiving yellow card. The Western Force took the advantage of it, extending the score to 27-10.
Fiji had the last say in the game with hooker Mesulame Dolokoto scoring the final try. The final score was 27-15.
Coach Senirusi Seruvakula said they need to improve a lot if they are to win matches in the Global Rapid Rugby.
“We have to lift up our game and skill level. Like I said from last week, we cannot afford any yellow cards. This game is very fast and if someone is out we are down for 10 minutes in the game. Whenever we had yellow cards they scored the tries.”
Captain Mosese Voka said their opponents were better prepared and did the basics right in the match.
“It was tough game for the boys. We made a lot of mistakes and we need to work on our discipline and set pieces before the next match.”
Swire Shipping Fijian Latui faces Kagifa Samoa in its next match on the 7th of June in New Zealand.