Despite the 33-19 win over Manu Samoa in this afternoon’s Punjas Pacific Battle, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians need to work on their inability to score points in the second half.

This was also the gist of captain Semi Radradra’s interview after the match, indicating that they had allowed Samoa back into the game after a handy 30-5 lead at halftime.

Last week after a 26-15 halftime lead against Tonga, the Flying Fijians only managed a converted try in the second half to win 33-20.

This is crucial as we head towards the Rugby World Cup, which gets underway in September.

“We knew Manu Samoa was tough and we stuck together going into the game,” Radradra said of their strong first half performance.

“It was tough and we allowed them (Samoa) to comeback in the second half.”

Radradra said it was a privilege to play with the Fijian Drua players, as five of them were making their Test debut.

Halfback Simione Kuruvoli’s quick deliveries and combination with first-five eighth Caleb Muntz caught Samoa by surprise.

The Flying Fijians took an early 5-0 when hooker Tevita Ikanivere took a quick tap from a penalty and crashed over to score the first try with Muntz missing the conversion.

The Fijians dominated possession and from a backline move Radradra slipped a pass to centre, Iosefo Masi to score under the post with Muntz landing the conversion for a 12-0 lead.

With the momentum on, the Flying Fijians from lineout close to the Samoan line formed a rolling maul with Ikanivere dotting his second try while the conversion went wide 17-0.

Samoa struck back with a backline move that saw Christian Leali’ifano scoring the try with the conversion missing as they trailed 17-5.
Muntz kicked over his first penalty to extend the lead to 20-5.

A backline move featuring winger Kalaveti Ravouvou who brushed aside two tacklers to slip a pass to Ilaisa Droasese, who created space for Selestino Ravutaumada to score in the corner. Muntz made no mistake with the conversion for a 27-5 lead. Then moments later Muntz kicked over his second penalty for a 30-5 lead at halftime.

Samoa came back in the second half with two tries and one converted while Muntz kicked over Fiji’s points from a penalty. 

Story By: leonec@fijisun.com.fj