Fiji continued their dominance in the Oceania U20s Challenge, defeating Moana Pasifika 48-19 in Round 3 at North Harbour Stadium this afternoon.
The Pasifika side were out-muscled by Fiji, who scored six unanswered tries in the first half, flaunting their trademark speed and flair while also commanding the set piece
Fiji lead 38-0 at halftime.
Moana Pasifika were under the pump and spent most of the first half on defence, trying to find a breakthrough.
Both teams were punished for their ill discipline and yellow carded in the first half.
Moana Pasifika tried to create opportunities at the end of the first-half, chipping away at the defence but could not get past the Fijian wall.
Despite playing catch up, Moana Pasifika showed heart coming into the second half full of energy, and did well to hold their ground.
The momentum shifted when fly half Tyler Pulini scored Moana Pasifika's first try in the right corner in the 54th minute, followed by another try by Alistair Saulala in the 60th minute.
Fiji responded with fullback Tevita Sovau crossing the line for their first try of the second half.
Moana Pasifika ended the match with a try from prop Spence Ioelu.
Fiji remain undefeated in the U20 challenge after a win earlier in Round One over the Ikale Tahi.
Fiji Captain Nalani May says they achieved their goal; achieved their target and hats off to Moana Pasifika who definitely gave them a good battle out there.
May says he reckons Pasifika gave them a bit of a scare in the second half, but they definitely recovered better.
Pasifika captain Antonio Popoalii says that despite the loss, he was proud of his team's fight throughout the match.
Popoalii says a bit of a slow start for them as they struggled to find their feet in the game, but full credit to the boys, who stuck in through the whole 80.
Fiji will next play Samoa next Saturday.
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