Penalty count proves costly as Flying Fijians fall 39-24 to Wales

Penalty count proves costly as Flying Fijians fall 39-24 to Wales
FRU

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians' penalty count proved costly as they went down 39-24 to Wales, allowing Wales to take control of the contest.

Fiji made a bright start, putting Wales under pressure from the opening whistle and threatening the Welsh defence throughout the first half.

Former All Blacks forward Pita Gus Sowakula crossed for Fiji's opening try in just the second minute, giving the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

Wales responded in the ninth minute with their first try to narrow the margin to 7-5.

The Flying Fijians showcased their trademark flair and pace during the opening quarter, producing more than 10 offloads while Wales struggled to maintain possession.

Fiji came close to extending their lead, but winger Selestino Ravutaumada was denied a try after losing the ball over the line.

A minute later, prop Eroni Mawi also had a try ruled out after spilling the ball in the act of grounding.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere says the team wanted to play their natural brand of rugby but admitted they lacked patience with the ball.

He says they made some great line breaks, but the finishing wasn't there, and they couldn't find the right balance.

The Japan-based hooker added that it was back to the drawing board as the team prepares for its next outing.

The sides were locked at 10-10 at halftime.

Wales struck first after the break, scoring in the 43rd minute to take a 17-10 lead.

The home side capitalised on Fiji's discipline issues and maintained control throughout the second half, scoring 29 points after the break while Fiji managed 14.

Despite showing flashes of brilliance with ball in hand, the Flying Fijians were unable to overcome their errors and penalty count, eventually falling 39-24.

Fiji will now turn its attention to its next Test as it looks to bounce back from the opening defeat.

Fiji will face Scotland on July 19th in Murrayfield, Scotland.

In other results tonight, Ireland edged Australia 33-31, while All Blacks beat France 34-32. 


1st minute: Wales kick off, and Fiji instantly attack the Wales line; they attack for 9 phases before losing the ball.

2nd minute: 32 seconds: Pita Gus Sowakula scores Fiji's first try to allow Fiji to take the lead 7-0.

4th minute: Wales attacks the Fijian line and passes a ball that goes forward, scrum to Fiji.

6th minute line-out to Wales, and Fiji uses the touch line to push the Wales player to the touch line; Fiji throws the ball line-out not straight; Wales ball.

9th minute Wales getting a scoring chance as they go for a line out 5 metres away from the try line, Wales scores first try through an off field decision.

10th minute Fiji leads Wales 7-5.

12th minute Wales attack Fiji's line and Josua Tuisiva wins a turnover for Fiji.

13th minute Fiji has done 7 offloads to Wales nil.

16th minute Fiji attacks and Semi Radradra loses the ball after multiple attacks; Wales ball.

17th minute Selestino Ravutaumada loses the ball on the touchline and is awarded a penalty.

18th minute Eroni Mawi, Fiji prop, loses the ball at the score line and Wales take the scrum.

21st minute Fiji attacks and players could not control his fett, penalty to Wales.

24th minute scrum to Wales on the 22 metre line and Wales wins another penalty; they opt for a lineout.

27th minute Wales loses the ball, and Fiji wins a scrum and is hoping to kick the ball for territory.

29th minute Fiji attacks from their own scoreline and Radradra gives a penalty for double rolling and he is replaced by Kalaveti Ravouvou after an injury.

30th minute Wales opts for a lineout and scores their second try of the game to take the lead 10-7.

32nd  minute Fiji awarded a penalty and attacks the Welsh line.

33rd minute Wales awarded a penalty and clears the ball from the half and launches another attack.

34th minute Wales lineout: Eroni Mawi is replaced by Peni Ravai due to injury.

35th minute Wales loses the ball, and Fiji gets a scrum in.

37th minute scrum for Wales; they win the scrum and win another penalty, and they opt for another lineout.

40th minute Isaiah Armstrong- Ravula kicks for a penalty goal as both teams are locked 10-10.

41st minute: Fiji kicks off through Ravula and Wales loses the ball, and Fiji gets an attacking opportunity.

43rd minute: Fiji's lineout and they lose the ball, and Wales gets the ball back and scores their first try of the second half to lead 17-0.

45th minute: Wales scores their second try in 2 minutes after Ravutaumada left the ball to roll in their own score line, allowing the Welsh winger to score.

47th minute: Fiji given a scrum and attack the Welsh line and score their first try of the second Elia Canakaivata reducing the deficit to 22-17.

52nd minute: Wales extend their lead 25-7 through a penalty.

53rd minute:Ravutaumada scores Fiji second try in the second half to reduce their points 25-24.

56th minute: Wales attack the Fijian line 5 metres away from their scoreline  and Fiji defends well. Peceli Yato replaces Sowakula.

62nd minute: Fiji executes a line-out and wins the ball, and they attack the Welsh line, and Wales wins a penalty.

66th minute: Fiji's discipline cost them as Wales scores another try in the second half, their third try to take the lead 32-24.

69th minute: Fiji has a scoring chance and launches another attack

70th minute: Livai Natave loses the ball and gives Wales possession with 9 minutes to play.

76th minute: Wales wins a scrum and attacks the Fijian line.

79th minute:Wales scores winning try to win 39-24.







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