Pacific Nations Cup: Fiji trounce Tonga to book semifinal spot

Fiji have secured a semifinal berth in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup after thrashing Tonga 50-19 at Nuku’alofa on Friday.

The Flying Fijians scored seven tries to the Tongans' three with the visitors holding the ‘Ikale Tahi scoreless in the second half. Both sides were locked in 19-all before halftime.

Tonga's Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala greets Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere at Te'ufaiva Park in Nuku'alofa. Photo/TRU

Coming off the back of a 43-17 defeat to Sāmoa, Tonga could not hold off the Fijians in front of 4000 fans at Te’ufaiva Park.

The win seals Fiji’s top spot in Pool A, with Sāmoa runner-up. Both teams will head to Tokyo next week to face the winner and runner-up of Pool B—Japan, Canada, or the USA.

Fiji got off to a flying start with centre Iosefo Masi scoring their first try in the 2nd minute after a simple draw-in of the defence and quick passes through the backline.

Watch the highlights of the Flying Fijians and the Tongan 'Ikale Tahi rugby test match in Nuku'alofa.

Fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula was instrumental in Fiji’s attack, setting up two tries with his kicks which the Tongans let the balls bounce. This allowed winger Vuate Karawalevu to gather and create the Fijians’ second try to captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere to score in the 5th minute.

From a lineout drive, flanker Elia Canakaivata powered over the defence to score Fiji’s third try, and two conversions for a commanding lead in the 12th minute, 19-0.

But the Tongans found their rhythm midway through the first half to launch their attack.

And a red card to Fiji’s inside centre Adrea Cocagi helped the Tongans’ cause. A senseless shoulder to the head of lock Harison Mataelea in the ruck got the Fijian No.12 a yellow card, which was upgraded to a red.

The ‘Ikale Tahi’s first-five eighth, Patrick Pellegrini, featured prominently in his team’s three tries to tie the scores just before halftime.

The Flying Fijians have topped Pool A of the Pacific Nations Cup. Photo/World Rugby

A chip-kick from the No.10 was picked up by Fetuli Paea (12) who raced 30m to score to the right of the posts. Pellegrini converted for a 19-7 lead to Fiji.

Another kick by Pellegrini found Samuel Tuitupou on the left wing but he was caught by the Fijian defence and managed to offload to an unmarked centre Fine Inisi to score for Tonga. 19-14.

From his forward pack dominance in Fiji’s 22m line, Pellegrini dummied and sliced his way through the defenders near the left touchline to level the scores at 19-all.

With five minutes to go in the first half, the Fijians regained control of the lineout with Canakaivata crossing over for his second try from a well-drilled maul. The visitors went to the changing rooms with their noses in front 26-19.

The Fijians came out firing after the breather, with captain Ikanivere leading his pack. It took them 15 minutes to register some points, thanks to a penalty to flyhalf Caleb Muntz.

Fiji coach Mick Bryne rang in the changes and it paid dividends, with forward Peni Ravai and back Inia Tabuavou wreaking havoc on the opposition.

Tongan rugby captain Ben Tameifuna leads his team onto Te'ufaiva Park in Nuku'alofa. Photo/TRU

Tabuavou scored a try from the Fijian pack’s dominance and a pass from Muntz in the 58th minute to take their lead to 36-19.

Three minutes later and from several phases of possession, blindside flanker Meli Derenalagi crossed over for his side’s 6th try. Masi featured again on the scoreboard for his second try in the 77th minute. Muntz converted both tries in a resounding victory for the Fijians 50-19.

For the Tongans, No.8 Lotu Inisi topped the tackle and carry count. Pellegrini and prop and captain Ben Tameifuna kept the Fijians at bay for most of the second half.

But it was the speed, forwards’ dominance, and defence of the Flying Fijians that kept the ‘Ikale Tahi in disarray in the last 40 minutes of their match.

It was also both sides’ 95th clash with Fiji claiming 65 of them, Tonga 27 and three draws.

In Pool B, Japan face the Americans in Tokyo late on Saturday.

Fiji and Tonga have met 95 times with the Fijians winning 65 of them. Photo/Fiji Rugby Union