The Flying Fijians thumped Tonga with a 50-19 victory in Nuku’alofa on Friday, securing the top spot in the Pacific pool of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup series. They now head to the semi-finals in Tokyo, where they will face either Japan or the USA from the Asia pool.
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere, who celebrated his birthday with a try, acknowledged the need to fix discipline issues during the game. “We spoke about discipline because towards the back end of the first half we dropped and let Tonga into the game,” he said.
Tonga, led by captain Ben Tameifuna, showed determination but struggled against Fiji’s relentless attack. Tameifuna praised his young team, saying, “This is the stepping stone for us as Ikale Tahi.”
Fiji started strong with a 19-0 lead, but Tonga rallied with tries from Fetuli Paea and Fine Inisi. However, Fiji regained control, scoring seven tries, including two from Iosefo Masi and Elia Canakaivata.
The match marked 100 years of rugby between the two nations, with Crown Prince Tupouto’a and 4,000 spectators attending the historic clash.
Fiji now moves on to the semi-finals, while Tonga will face Canada in the fifth-place playoff.
