The Flying Fijians were brought to earth in Wellington last night after the defending champions South Africa thumped them 49-3.
In the first half, the teams had been locked at 3 all after South Africa’s Frans Steyn and Fiji’s Seremaia Bai swapped penalties.
However, with the powerful Springbok pack trying to take on the Fijians from close quarters, the pressure finally told when prop Gurthrö Steenkamp ploughed his way through four defenders to score after 26 minutes.
Morné Steyn slotted a difficult conversion to put South Africa ahead 10-3 and soon added a penalty before Jaque Fourie crossed in the corner give the Springboks a 18-3 lead.
The fly half added another penalty on the stroke of halftime to make it 21-3.
In the second half, more tries were scored by Morné Steyn, Frans Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Danie Rossouw.
Coach, Samu Domoni Jnr admitted his side was beaten in all phases of the game.
Captain Deacon Manu said it was a disappointing result knowing they did not live up to the expectation of their fans.
2007, RWC, Fiji coach, Ilivasi Tabua believed the next two pool games mean a lot to our campaign as the need to improve from last night’s loss.
Fiji’s next pool game will be against Samoa next Sunday at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile in the first upset of the RWC, Ireland beat Australia 15-6 in a Pool C match.
Although no tries was scored in the match the Irish forwards lay the platform for a well deserve win.
Captain, Brian O’Driscol was full of praise on his boys in the way the executed their game plan to deny Australia with a win.
For Wallabies captain, James Horwill it will be a hard path in trying to win the World Cup knowing they failed badly last night.
The results could mean that the Wallabies will face defending champion South Africa in one of the quarterfinals.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
South Africa brings Flying Fijians down to earth
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