Handling errors, poor defence, and poor goal-kicking resulted in an embarrassing defeat for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians as they were upset 30‑27 by Uruguay in their second pool match of the Rugby World Cup.
This is now one of the biggest upsets in Rugby World Cup history as Uruguay is ranked 19th in the world while Fiji is ranked 10th.
Uruguay scored three tries and converted three penalties compared to Fiji's five tries and one conversion.
Crucial try conversions which would have given Fiji the win were missed by kickers Josh Matavesi and Ben Volavola.
Uruguay won eight turnovers in the first half, twice as many as Fiji.
Fiji scored the first try in the match through hooker Mesulame Dolokoto.
This was followed by another try by Eroni Mawi which was Fiji's only converted try.
Fiji's third try was scored by Api Ratuniyarawa.
There were also two tries scored by replacement halfback Nikola Matawalu late in the second half but it wasn't enough for the win.
Fiji had 59 percent possession in the match.
Coach John McKee says Uruguay capitalized on Fiji’s mistakes.
The Flying Fijians meet Georgia next Thursday at 5.15 pm.
| PLAY BY PLAY |
Fiji |
Score:
|
Uruguay |
| TIME | ||
| Mesulame Dolokoto scores off of a faked maul at the opposition 5m line. Conversion misses. | '7 | |
| '14 | Santiago Arata gets one back for Uruguay and the conversion is good. Uruguay take the lead. | |
| Eroni Mawi practically dives over a maul at the opposition line and scores another Fiji! Conversion is good. Fiji retake the lead. | '18 | |
| '21 | Uruguay again able to find their way through the Fiji defense. Conversion is good and Uruguay take the lead yet again. | |
| '26 | Juan Manuel Cat runs down the wing to score yet another try for Uruguay, Conversion is good. | |
| '37 | Uruguay get a penalty and opt to kick. Penalty is successful. |
| HALFTIME 12-24 |
| TIME | ||
| Api Ratuniyarawa starts things off on a good note for the Fiji team and powers through the defensive line. Conversion by Josh Matavesi misses from right in front of the posts. | '48 | |
| '59 | After 15 phases of play, Uruguay force the penalty from Fiji and get themselves a penalty. Convert and extend their lead by 10 points. | |
| Nikola Matawalu does a little dance at the defensive one metre at the ruck and dots down another to bring Fiji within 5. Kicking responsibilities move to Volavola who was substituted in. Barely misses. | '66 | |
| '75 | Uruguay get a penalty conversion which puts them up by 8. Fiji need a converted try and more to win. | |
| Nikola Matawalu scores one last try for Fiji as a consolation. Conversion misses. | '80 |
| FULLTIME |
