The FMF Flying Fijians went down 21-15 to a gutsy Tongan outfit in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka on Saturday despite leading 15-6 at the break.

This was Tonga's win in the tournament and their first victory at Churchill Park after 44 years of trying.

Second half tries from impressive No.8 Samiu Vahafolau, centre Suka Hufanga, and hooker Aleki Lutui saw the Tongans come back strongly as Fiji struggled to find their rhythm and resorted to counter-attacks.

Lock Kele Leawere and inside centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu had given Fiji a 15-3 advantage in the first half, but after the break Tonga took control and showed more determination.

Quotes:

Ilivasi Tabua (FMF Flying Fijians coach)

"We knew that they would play it close and defend well in the rucks and the scrums. That's their strong points. We played well in the first half but our scrimmaging was pushed around after the break and we didn't control the game. The subs that came in didn...’t hold the scrums."

"We gave away so many penalties. We were penalised at the breakdowns for coming in at the wrong side of the rucks. Our line-outs were not really there and these are areas we need to work on before the game against Australia A next week."

"Now I have ideas of how each players stands as we're building up the team for the World Cup."

Quddus Fielea (Tonga coach)

"We came back in the second half with full determination. The boys had more patience and controlled the game then followed the momentum."

"Samiu Vahafolau played very well at No.8. He was winning balls in the line-outs, fast to the breakdown, and put in some heavy tackles to put pressure on the Fijians. And I thought our front rowers were awesome."

Saturday 16 June 2007

FMF Flying Fijians 15 Tonga 21

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Half-time: 15-6

Referee: Chris Pollock (NZ)

Touch judges: James Leckie (Australia), Samuela Tuidraki (Fiji)

Crowd: 3,500

FMF FLYING FIJIANS: 15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Michael Tagicakibau (Vereniki Goneva 63), 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Isoa Neivua, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Mosese Rauluni - capt, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole (Alifereti Doviverata 63), 7 Aca Ratuva, 6 Deryck Thomas (Dale Tonawai 50), 5 Kele Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3 Henry Qiodravu (Apisai Turukawa 50), 2 Sunia Koto (Vereniki Sauturaga 73), 1 Graham Dewes

Not used: Jone Daunivucu, Sisa Waqa

Coach: Ilivasi Tabua

Tries: Leawere, Lovobalavu; Conversion: Luveniyali; Penalty goal: Luveniyali

TONGA: 15 Mesiu Lemoto, 14 Sione Fonua, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 Hudson Tonga'uiha (Epeli Taione 48), 11 Seti Kiole (Siua Taumololo 71), 10 Tevita Tu'ifua, 9 Soane Havea, 8 Samiu Vahafalau, 7 Nili Latu (capt), 6 Hale T-Pole, 5 Chris Hala'ufia (Teu'i Muli Kaufusi 40), 4 Sione Kalamafoni, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Taufa'ao Filise (Toma Toke 63)

Not used: Feki Moala, Isileli Fine, Tevita Ahoafi

Coach: Quddus Fielea

Tries: Hufanga, Lutui, Vahafolau; Penalty goals: Lemoto (2).

Scoring sequence (Fiji's scores shown first):

3min - PEN GOAL FIJI, Luveniyali - 3-0

5min - PEN GOAL TONGA, Lemoto (missed) - 3-0

13min - TRY FIJI, Leawere; conversion Luveniyali (missed) - 8-0

17min - PEN GOAL TONGA, Lemoto (missed) - 8-0

24min - PEN GOAL TONGA, Lemoto - 8-3

36min - PEN GOAL TONGA, Lemoto (missed) - 8-3

39min - TRY FIJI, Lovobalavu; conversion Luveniyali - 15-3

41min - PEN GOAL TONGA, Lemoto - 15-6

Half-time

63min - TRY TONGA, Hufanga; conversion Lemoto (missed) - 15-11

69min - TRY TONGA, Lutui; conversion Lemoto (missed) - 15-16

87min - TRY TONGA, Vahafolau; conversion Latu (missed) - 15-21

Full-time. Jeremy Duxbury, 16/06/07.