Fiji kicked off their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a hard-fought 36-20 victory over Tonga in Lautoka on Saturday.
In a fast-paced and entertaining encounter, Fiji held the upper-hand for most of the match, but Tonga were more competitive than in their previous meeting, which Fiji won 36-0 in Suva last year.
Fiji opened the scoring with a penalty try in the 10th minute, and they went on to score three more tries in the first half through Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova, and Peni Matawalu.
Tonga responded with two tries of their own, scored by Viliami Tahitua and Feao Fotuaika, but they trailed 24-14 at the break.
Fiji extended their lead to 31-14 in the second half with a try from Frank Lomani, but Tonga refused to give up and scored two more tries through Viliami Ma’afu and Sione Katoa.
However, Fiji held on for the victory, sealing a 36-20 win.
The win was a good start to Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup campaign, and they will be looking to continue their good form when they face Samoa next week.
Tonga will also be looking to bounce back from their defeat when they face Australia A in their next match.
