Flying Fijians thump Tonga 32-10 in Pacific Nations Cup opener

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians kicked off their Pacific Nations Cup campaign on a high note, defeating Tonga 32-10 at the HFC Bank Stadium this afternoon.

Tonga drew first blood with half back Augustine Pulu scoring in the first minute of the match.

Fiji’s first points came from Caleb Muntz boots in the sixth minute, while Seta Tamanivalu scored in the 12th minute to put Fiji in a 10-7 lead.

Kalaveti Ravouvou extended Fiji’s lead, crossing the white line in the 20th minute.

Before half-time, Patrick Pellegrini converted a penalty to close the gap to 17-10 as they went into half time.

Tonga came out firing in the second half and put pressure on the Fijians.

They came close to Fiji’s try line, but the Fijians' defence stood strong.

Muntz converted another penalty for Fiji in the 54th minute to extend their lead to 20-10.

Fiji’s rhythm came back with captain Tevita Ikanivere scoring from a cross kick from Muntz that was collected in the air by Ponipate Loganimasi.

Taniela Rakuro scored another try to put Fiji over the 30-point mark.

Indiscipline cost Tonga as No. 8 Siosiua Moala was shown a yellow card in the 9th minute and again in the 68th minute, which meant it was upgraded to a red.

Fiji’s next PNC match is against Samoa at 3pm next Saturday at Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand.

FT FJ 32-10 TON

67' Try to Fiji. Taniela Rakuro. FJ 32-10 TON

62' Try to Fiji. Tevita Ikanivere. FJ 27-10 TON

54' Fiji gets a penalty inside Tonga's 10m line. Caleb Muntz steps up for the penalty and he converts it. FJ 20-10 TON

48' Tonga getting physical with the Fijian boys as they try to win their second PNC match. Fiji gets a scrum and will need to be more accurate in their passing. FJ 17-10 TON

43' A bit scrappy play from both teams with Bill Mata knocking the ball on. FJ 17-10 TON

2nd half: Kick off: Tonga

HT: FJ 17-10 TON

40' Patrick Pellegrini converts a penalty for Tonga. FJ 17-10 TON

33' Tonga keeps the pressure on Fiji. They are on the attack but the ball knocks on. FJ 17-7 TON

20' Try to Fiji. Great skills from the Fijian boys, quick hands to the corner with Kalaveti Ravouvou running in for their second try. FJ 17-7 TON

12' Try to Fiji. Wonderful play from Fiji as they scored this try from their 22m line with Seta Tamanivalu crossing over the tryline. FJ 10-7 TON

6' Caleb Muntz coverts a penalty. FJ 3-7 TON

1' Try to Tonga. Augustine Pulu. FJ 0-7 TON

Fiji Kick off

Updates: Fiji vs Tonga