The FIJI Water Flying Fijians defeated Canada 45-29 in their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup clash tonight, putting them in a strong position to defend their title.
Fiji started strongly, with Kitione Salawa crossing the try line within the first minute to put Fiji 7-0 ahead.
They continued to apply pressure on the Canadians and starved them of possession.
Some great handling was on display from Fiji, as they managed to put Frank Lomani over the try line to extend their lead to 14-0.
Canada managed to score their first try through Mason Flesch, closing the gap to 14-7.
The Flying Fijians did not let up as they continued to push forward, determined to ensure the title returns to the islands.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Peni Ravai scored tries before halftime to give Fiji a 26-17 lead at the break.
Fiji started the second half strongly again, with captain Tevita Ikanivere scoring in the fifth minute, followed by a double from Motikiai Murray.
The Canadians did not quit, continuing to push for their third try, which came in the 65th minute when Kyle Tremblay crossed the try line.
The try was a boost for Canada as they matched Fiji’s physicality, with Flesch following through on a kick and managing to outmuscle Isikeli Rabitu to score their fourth try.
Fiji played the final minutes with 13 men after Isoa Nasilasila and Terio Tamani were shown yellow cards. However, Nasilasila’s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a TMO review.
Fiji will now turn their focus to next Saturday, when they will face the winner of the Japan and USA match.
Fiji vs Canada LIVE UPDATES
1st half - Kick-off: FIJI
45 seconds: Try to Fiji. Kitione Salawa. FJ 7-0 CAN
4' Try to Fiji. Great handling from Fiji that resulted in Frank Lomani crossing over the tryline. FJ 14-0 CAN
7' Try to Canada. Mason Flesch. FJ 14-7 CAN
8' Great attack from Canada, breaking through Fiji's defence. Fiji got lucky as Canada dropped the ball close to the try line. FJ 14-7 CAN
17' Penalty to Canada as Fiji is penalised for tackling a player in the air. FJ 14-7 CAN
23' Try to Fiji. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. FJ 19-7 CAN
26' Canada converts a penalty. FJ 19-10 CAN
30' Try to Fiji. A quick play from the lineout by the forwards resulted in Peni Ravai crossing over. FJ 26-10 CAN
34' Try to Canada. Sion Parry. FJ 26-17 CAN
38' Canada had the momentum going, but the pass could not connect, resulting in a knock-on just metres away from the try line. FJ 26-17 CAN
HT: FJ 26-17 CAN
2nd half - Kick off: CANADA
2' Fiji on the attack. A great start to the second half. FJ 26-17 CAN
45' Try to Fiji. Tevita Ikanivere. FJ 33-17 CAN
50' Try to Fiji. Motikiai Murray. FJ 38-17 CAN
57' Canada are doing everything to try and break through Fiji's defence. FJ 38-17 CAN
60' Try to Fiji. Motikiai Murray. FJ 45-17 CAN
65' Try to Canada. Kyle Tremblay. FJ 45-22 CAN
69' Try to Canada. Mason Flesch. FJ 45-29 CAN
73' Isoa Nasilasila shown a yellow card for a hugh tackle when trying to clear a ruck. FJ 45-29 CAN
77' Terio Tamani shown a yellow card. FJ 45-29 CAN
79' Isoa Nasilasila's yellow card upgraded to red card.
