Fiji puts down marker
WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCH REPORT: Fiji tuned up for the global showpiece with a hard-fought win over Tonga at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.
The Fijians scored five tries to three as they combined trademark counterattacking prowess with stalwart defence to down their Pacific rivals 29-19 despite Tonga dominating possession.
"We were trying to put together our phases and work as a team," Fiji captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu said.
"I think we've done pretty well given that Tonga threw everything at us."
Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said before the match that it was the strongest side he had fielded in his four years in charge.
They had the ball for much of the first half and were rewarded with tries to Siale Piutau and Paula Nagauamo.
But Fiji hit back each time with intercept tries to Jousa Tuisova and Vereneki Goneva, then took a 17-12 lead into the break when Semi Kunatani scored after their first period of sustained pressure.
Tonga continued to graft in the second half but skipper Piutau said mistakes allowed Fijian flair to prevail.
"I'm proud of the effort the boys put in but obviously they made too many errors and they capitalised on it," he said.
"You can't do that against a quality side like Fiji."
Both sides ended with 14 men after Fiji number eight Peceli Yato and his Tonga counterpart Maama Vaipulu were sin-binned over an exchange of punches in the final minutes.
It was Fiji's final match before the World Cup in Japan, while Tonga will face a stern test next week when they face defending World Cup champions New Zealand in Auckland.
The scorers
For Fiji
Tries: Tuisova, Goneva, Kunatani, Waqaniburotu, Matavesi
Cons: Volavola, Veitokani
For Tonga
Tries: Piutau, Ngauamo, Sakalia
Cons: Takulua 2
Yellow cards: Peceli Yato (Fiji, brawling), Maama Vaipulu (Tonga, brawling)
Teams:
Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Peceli Yato, 7 Semi Kunatani, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Kalivati Tawake, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Replacements: 16 Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Waisea Nayacalevu.
Tonga: 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Atieli Pakalani, 13 Siale Piutau (captain), 12 Cooper Vuna, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 James Faiva, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Maama Vaipulu, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 6 Steve Mafi, 5 Leva Fifita, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Paul Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Replacements: 16 Sosefo Sakalia, 17 Vaea Fifita, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Zane Kapeli, 20 Sione Kalamafoni, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Kurt Morath, 23 Mali Hingano.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)