The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians have created history when they secured a hard‑fought 21‑14 victory against France in their final November international in Paris this morning.
FT: @fijirugby get historic 21 - 14 win over France #FIJvFRA pic.twitter.com/SHxLMjtagM
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 24, 2018
The win is a significant one for the Pacific islanders as it is their first‑ever victory over France in 10 Tests.
The opening exchanges were closely contested and Fiji were competitive from the kick off and Fiji spent large periods camped inside France’s half and the home side battled to build momentum during the early stages of the game.
Flying Fijians Centre, Semi Radradra took on the French defence to dive over for Fiji’s first try giving Fiji an early lead with France quickly responding with a try of their own to tie the points 7-all.
Tuisova scored Fiji’s second try in the 30th minute of the first half to regain the lead 12-7 and just as Fiji thought they had extended the lead Vereniki Goneva was disallowed a try from an offload from Radradra when the television match official ruled that Radradra was in an offside position in the build‑up.
That decision proved costly as France crossed over for their second try taking a 14‑12 lead at half‑time.
Ben Volavola opened the second half with a penalty kick in the 43rd minute giving Fiji the lead 18-14.
Fiji continued to run the ball from all areas of the field and in the 49th minute, Leone Nakarawa offloaded to Tuisova, who dotted down in the corner but that effort was also disallowed for a late tackle from Tevita Cavubati on a French player earlier on.
Volavola then later sealed Fiji’s win with a second penalty kick a few seconds after full time.
Captain Domoniko Waqaniburotu says that he is very proud of the boys and he knows that it took a lot to defeat a team like France.
Flying Fijians Coach John McKee says that the boys have worked hard for this win.
Meanwhile in other matches played this morning, New Zealand thrashed Italy 66-6, Scotland edged Argentina 14-9, England defeated Australia 37-18, Ireland defeated USA 57-14, Wales defeated South Africa 20-11 while Japan defeated Russia 32-27.
