Flying Fijians outclassed by France 34-17

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