by Pesi Fonua

Fiji kicked off their ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2009 campaign with a convincing victory over Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi at the Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa this afternoon, June 13.

The 'Ikale Tahi scored the first try, about two minutes from kick off when the No. 14, 'Alipate Fatafehi crossed the line and scored, and the 'Ikale Tahi was in the lead 5-0.

The Fijians put on the pressure and despite the 'Ikale Tahi being more successful in the breakdowns and the line out they could not penetrate the Fijian defence and the game stayed in the Tongan half.

The Fijian's strong defence frustrated the Tongan players and they made mistakes that they were penalised for. The Fijian Full Back, Taniela Rawaga, missed three penalty conversions, and the Fijians did not put any points on the score board until some slick movement through their back line that ended with the No. 11, Timoci Nagusa planting the ball over the score line. The Fijian No. 15, Taniela Rawaga missed the conversion and the score equalised 5-5.

The 'Ikale Tahi went on attack and moved the game to the Fijian half, and their drive was rewarded with a penalty conversion by No. 11, Tevita Halaifonua and the 'Ikale Tahi took the lead again, 8-5.

The Fijians hit back and scored two tries, almost one after the other just before half time. The Fijians' second try was by their No. 6, Semisi Saukawa and their third try was again by Timoci Nagusa. Both tries were converted by Taniela Rawaga and the score was 19-8 in Fiji's favour at half time.

Firing

The 'Ikale Tahi came out firing at the beginning of the second half, and they were rewarded with a try by Loose-head Prop Toma Toke which was converted by Tevita Halaifonua and the score was 15-19.

A few minutes later, the Fijian No. 7 Malakai Volau scored and it was successfully converted by Taniela and the Fijians extended their lead to 26-15.

The 'Ikale Tahi hit back, with No. 8 Chris Hala'ufia leading the drive which resulted in the 'Ikale Tahi awarded a penalty try. The offender, the Fijian No. 1, Graham Dewes was yellow carded. Tevita was successful with the conversion, and the score was 26-22.

The Fijians hit back and moved the game to the 'Ikale Tahi's half where they were awarded a kickable penalty which Taniela converted and further extended their lead to 29-22.

The 'Ikale Tahi put on the pressure but the Fijians were on the roll, and their No. 10 Alipate Noilen sealed their victory with a try which was converted by Taniela and the score was 36-22.

Mistakes

The Fijians deserve their victory, despite the fact that the Tongans dominated the lineouts break downs but the Fijians were able to capitalise on Tonga's mistakes, and there was always a support player to pass the ball to.

The 'Ikale Tahi on the other hand, despite winning balls in the line outs and break downs had a difficult time penetrating the Fijian defence. The Tongan loose forwards, Nili Latu, Hale Pole, and Chris Hala'ufia had a good game, so did Sililo, Vungakoto, 'Epeli and Tevita Halaifonua.