The Fiji Water Flying Fijians were outclassed by France 34-17 this morning.
There were standout performances from fly-half Caleb Muntz, second rower Levani Botia who was heavily involved around the rucks and winger Vinaya Habosi with his impressive carries.
Flying Fijians skipper Semi Radradra says they will get back and review the game.
France fulback Melvyn Jaminet wisely converted their three penalties within the first 8 minutes to lead 9-0.
Muntz got Fiji back into the game after a penalty from a Levani Botia turnover FRA 9-3 Fiji.
France hooker Peato Mauvaka put in an impressive shift as he dotted down for France in the 28th minute before moving to the back row.
Tevita Ikanivere scored for Fiji after a brilliant pick and drive from the forwards with Muntz easily converting to keep Fiji within reach.
Prop Uini Antonio got one back for France as he barreled through the Fiji defence.
France led 21-10 at half-time.
Fiji started the second half off really well with a try to skipper Semi Radradra which Muntz easily converted.
France struck back after substitute flanker Sekou Macalou intercepted a pass from Lomani to run in untouched and extend France’s lead to 31-17.
Jaminet converted the last penalty to give Fiji their first loss this year 34-17.
Fiji will play England at 2.05am next Sunday in Twickenham.
The Flying Fijians' first RWC pool match will be against Wales at 7am Monday the 11th of next month.
Live Updates:
Lomani gets the ball out of Fiji's 22 metre
Wainiqolo carries the ball into touch over the deadball line
3" Lomani clears from the Fiji 5 metre line
4" Penalty to France
Penalty converted!!
FRA 3-0 FIJ
6" Another penalty to France
7" Penalty converted
FRA 6-0 FIJ
8" 3 penalties against Fiji in 5 minutes
9" FRA 9-0 FIJ
11" Fiji putting together phases and building and finally get a penalty
Muntz kicks for the sideline
Fiji lineout on the 8-metre line. Mata takes it up. Botia knocks it on. France scrum
13" France win a scrum penalty
15" Lomani turns over the ball for Fiji
16" Botia gets the penalty for Fiji after France steal the lineout
Muntz to kick at goal
Converted
FRA 9-3 FIJ
19" Fiji scrum after France knock it on
20"Lomani clears with a box kick from the ruck, France kicks it back with Maqala finally putting it into touch
France win the lineout
23" Habosi steals the ball at the breakdown.
Penalty to Fiji
Muntz kicks for touch
Lineout at halfway
Penalty to Fiji
Muntz kicks Fiji into the 22
Fiji pick and drive
STOLEN by France
Maqala brings it back
27" Just as Fiji was building up the phases France snuffs it out
TRY to France!!
Peato Mauvaka scores in the corner
29" FRA 16-3 FIJ
Muntz takes it up to the 5 metre, on to Mawi
TRY!!
Tevita Ikanivere with Fji's 1st try
FRA 16-10 FIJ
35" Fiji steal the ball but knock it on
37" Penalty to France, lineout on Fiji 10 metre
Another advantage to France
TRY!!
Uini Antonio scores for France
Jaminet misses the conversion
Half Time
FRA 21-10 FIJ
Muntz kicks off for the 2nd half
Penalty!!
France get the ball at halfway
Jaminet converts!!
FRA 24-10 FIJ
44" Fiji on the attack in the France 22 metre
Maqala knocks it on
France scrum
46" Penalty to France but quickly reversed to Fiji
Muntz clears to the 40 metre for the Fiji throw
47" Penalty!!
Fiji ball
Fiji wins their lineout building the phases
Advantage to Fiji
Penalty to Fiji
TRY!!
Radradra stretches over next to the posts
FRA 24-17
52" Fiji free kick
Fiji opt for the scrum
54" Habosi at first reciever takes Fiji up at least 30 metres
56" France win their lineout but knock the ball on
TRY to France!!
Intercept by Macalou
FRA 31-17 FIJ
63" Lomani clears from the 22, mauvaka brings it back
65" Wainiqolo clears and brings play back to halfway
Jone Koroiduadua making his debut
67" Penalty to France
Jaminet converts
FRA 34-17 FIJ
72" Fiji on to their 10th phase still with the advantage
Kuruvoli with the crisp passes
Muntz kicks for touch
74" Fiji in the France 5 metre
penalty
Lomani drops the ball
Full Time
34-17
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