Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. Despite limited preparation time, the team has performed well in the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Manu Samoa.
Fijians secured a 42-12 victory against Samoa at the HFC Stadium in Suva and is now set to travel to Tonga for their next match.
Samoa was penalized just outside their 10-meter line, which allowed flyhalf Tevita Ikanivere to secure three points for Fiji. However, the visitors responded with a try, taking two defenders over the line and leading 10-5.
Manu Samoa continued to display impressive offense and extended their lead with a penalty kick from outside Fiji’s 22-meter line.
Fiji responded with a try, breaking Samoa’s defence from 40 meters out before being brought down less than a meter from the scoreline.
Fiji then hammered Samoa’s defence with their forwards, receiving a pass from halfback Frank Lomani. Lomani jumping over for their second try of the match, closing the score gap to 13-12.
Flying Fijians was reduced to 14 players after lock Temo Mayanavanua was sent to the sin bin. Samoa to converted another penalty kick for a 16-12 lead. Fijians closed the score gap at halftime with flyhalf Caleb Muntz converting a penalty kick 22 meters out, bringing the score to 16-15.
Fiji then scored their second try of the night, driving a maul from a lineout from 10 meters out, adding two extra points for a 25-16 lead. Fiji crossed over another try following a line break from Isiah Armstrong-Ravula. Ravula offloading to fullback Vuate Karawalevu, bringing the score to 37-16.
Byrne praised each player’s performance, especially debutants like Epeli Momo, who received his first cap. He also praised the coaches, Aaron and Seremaia, for their excellent work. Also commended the crowd turnout, stating that any Fijian national team has the best fans in the world.
Player of the Match award was presented to halfback Frank Lomani, who scored a try in the last 30 minutes of the match. Furthermore, fullback Vuate Karawalevu debuted, and openside flanker Kitione Salawa scored a hattrick.
Drua flyhalf Caleb Muntz made a strong statement during the match, converting one try and four penalty kicks.
Team will now take a break next week before their second tournament match on September 6.
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