Fiji defeats 'Ikale Tahi to win Pacific Nations Cup [1]
Monday, June 24, 2013 - 16:56. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Tonga vs Flying Fijians. Photo by SV Suzuki, Tokyo, 23 June 2013.
Tonga’s hopes of winning the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time were dashed after the Flying Fijians defeated the 'Ikale Tahi 34 – 21 to win the tournament yesterday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
The game was the decider for the Pacific Nations Cup and both teams were under pressure to win their first ever Pacific Nations Cup.
The 'Ikale Tahi took an early lead of 11-0 within the first 15 minutes of the match via a try by winger Fraser Anderson and two penalties by Thomas Palu. Despite the perfect start, Fiji hit back with two tries to draw the first half 14 -14.
The Fijians dominated the second half with another two tries and the 'Ikale Tahi failed to keep up. By the 72nd minute Fiji was leading 34 – 14, but a consolation try by Nili Latu closed the score line with 34 – 21 the final score.
Captain Nili Latu said after the match, “We were very disappointed not to win. We wanted so bad to win but we weren't good enough. Fiji deserved to win."
This is the first time Fiji has won the Pacific Nations Cup since the tournament began in 2006. Tonga has never won the competition, a fact which is yet to be re-written.