Fiji Defeat Tonga 29 - 19 To Win Pasifika Test Challenge
"We were trying to focus on our game and to get our phases and trying to work as a team. I think we achieved that tonight."
Saturday 31 August 2019 | 18:48
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Semi Kunatani on attack against Tonga at Eden Park. Photo: PhotosportNZ
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians side defeated Tonga 29-19 in the Pasifika Test Challenge at Eden Park, Auckland.
After their 17-12 lead in the first half the John McKee coached side lifted momentum in the second half which saw captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu scoring their fourth try. Alifereti Veitokani converted.
The Fijians continued to enjoy possession upfront getting their set pieces right as hooker Sam Matavesi scored their fifth try after a brilliant game pattern from the line out.
Veitokani failed to convert.
71" Both teams cut to 14 players. Yellow card shown to both Tonga and Fiji's number eights. Maama Vaipulu and Peceli Yato. Fiji 291-12 Tonga. #fijivstonga #PasifikaChallengeII
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) August 31, 2019
Tonga only managed one try in the second half through Sefo Sakalia and was converted by Sonatane Takulua.
The Flying Fijians put their bodies on the line in their defence.
Full Time at Eden Park in New Zealand. Fiji takes a close 29-19 win over Tonga in the Pasifika ChallengeII. Few more weeks to work before meeting Australia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on the 21st of September. #fijivstonga#PasifikaChallengeII#itsfijistime
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) August 31, 2019
Waqaqniburotu said it was going to be a physical game against Tonga.
"We were trying to focus on our game and to get our phases and trying to work as a team. I think we achieved that tonight."
Fiji and Tonga rugby fans at Eden Park. Photo: PhotosportNZ
