The Flying Fijians rugby team has registered their first loss in the 2009 Pacific Nations Cup, after going down to the star studded Junior All Blacks by 45-17 at Churchill Park this afternoon.
The Fijians failed to find their form and the experienced Junior All Blacks took advantage of the careless passes and dropped balls, to turn them into valuable points.
Fiji also paid heavily due to a number of turnovers.
The Junior All Blacks scored 7 tries to Fiji's 3.
The Junior All Blacks led in the first half by 24 points to 7.
The JAB's 7 tries came from captain Tamati Ellison, Tom Donnelly, Rene Ranger and Anthony Tuitavake while Hosea Gear of the Wellington Hurricanes scored 3 tries.
Fiji's 3 tries came from Nemia Kenatale, Sakiusa Matadigo and Iliesa Keresoni. Tamati Ellison was given a yellow card for a professional foul.
Speaking to Fijivillage News, Flying Fijians co-captain Seru Rabeni said that the loss is very disappointing especially in front of a home crowd.
However, Sione Lauaki said that even though Fiji lost they portrayed a very physical game.
Looking at the past records, in 2006 Junior All Blacks beat Fiji 35-17 at the TFL stadium, in 2007 Junior All Blacks beat Fiji by 57-8.
With the win today the JABS remain unbeaten in the PNC since the tournament started.
In another PNC match that was held at Lawaqa Park, Samoa beat Japan by 34 points to 15.
Feature
Flying Fijians lose to Junior All Blacks
