The Vodafone Flying Fijians have sealed their first win in the June Rugby tests defeating Italy 22‑19.
A drop kick by Fiji’s fly Half, Ben Volavola in extra time sealed the win in an entertaining encounter as Italy’s defense held strong under pressure from the Fijian backline.
Eroni Vasiteri scored Fiji’s first try crossing over in the 3rd minute, a classy pass not to long after by lanky forward Leone Nakarawa, set up Fiji’s second try through Jale Vatubua.
Fiji struggled with their scrummaging as Italy utilized the strength in their forwards, forcing Fiji to give away penalties to their six nations opponents.
Italy’s fly Half Tommaso Allan kicked 3 penalties to keep them within reach at halftime 14‑9.
Fiji wing, Vereniki Goneva intercepted a pass to race to the tryline from the 10 metre mark extending Fiji’s lead in the 2nd half.
Italy continued to pressure the Fiji forwards with their rolling mauls later Nemani Nagusa was shown a yellow card for a late shoulder charge in the 51st minute of the game.
Italy took the chance while they could and capitalized on Fiji being a man short scoring their first and only try bringing them into the game 19-16.
Flying Fijians Head Coach, John McKee says that Fiji deserved the win but made a lot of errors that nearly cost them the game.
McKee also acknowledged the game played by the local based players showing that they were able to match the game of the overseas based players.
Fiji will now take on Scotland at 2.30pm next Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.
Fiji will now take on Scotland at 2.30pm next Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.
In other matches, Scotland defeated the Wallabies 24-19, Ireland beat Japan 50-22, while South Africa defeated France 37-15. In the matches on Friday Wales defeated Tonga 24-6, while the all Blacks thrashed Samoa 78-0.
