Man-of-the-match and Bristol Bears’ prolific finisher, Kalaveti Ravouvou, scored a sensational hat-trick to help the FIJI Water Flying Fijians thrash Canada 63-10 and book their place in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan.
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere praised his team’s performance, saying the players rose to the occassion, stuck to the game plan, and delivered a comprehensive victory.
Fiji wasted no time asserting their dominance, with winger Taniela Rakuro crossing the try line in just the third minute to open the scoring.
Canada responded swiftly, converting a penalty in the fourth minute to make it 7-3 — the closest they would get to the Fijians for the rest of the match.
From that point on, Fiji opened the floodgates, running in multiple tries to establish a commanding 43-3 lead by halftime.
In the second half, the Flying Fijians continued to dominate at the set-pieces; however, their aggression led to disciplinary lapses, with both a red and yellow card issued, reducing them to 13 men for a period.
Mesake Doge was shown a red card in the 36th minute.
Despite this, Fiji regrouped and returned to full strength by the 55th minute.
They added a further 20 points after restoring their full lineup, sealing a dominant 63-10 win.
Canada managed to score a consolation try in the second half, but it was not enough to make any real impact on the final result.
Head coach Mick Byrne acknowledged the team's strong start but admitted discipline was a concern.
He says they started the game with really good intent but lost our way a bit with some disciplinary issues.
Fiji now has a six-day turnaround before facing Japan in the final this Sunday.
Byrne says Japan's high-tempo style of play will make it a thrilling contest, and fans can expect an exciting battle for the title.
Fiji will face Japan at 1.35pm on Sunday in the final.
Stay with us for live updates.
1st minute Fiji kick off
2' penalty to Fiji, Canada knocks the ball forward
3' minute brilliant try from Fiji winger Taniela Rakuro,Fiji leads 7-0.
4' Canada kicks for goal and conversion successful 7-3.
8' Fiji scores their second try to Mesake Vocevoce to extend their lead 14-3
10' Canada is finally playing in Fiji zone in a defensive scrum.
13' Fiji wins back to back penalty and opts for line out.
14' Fijis Etonia Waqa scores Fiji third try to extend their points 21-3.
18' Fiji wins another penalty and fails to convert possession into points.
21' Fiji kicks for goal and extends their lead 24-3.
24' Canada attacking Fiji's 5 metre line and fails to convert to points.
27' Fiji once again attacking the Canadian line and dominating possession and Kaliveti Ravouvou scores Fiji fourth try extending their lead 31-3.
32' Eroni Mawi slices through the defensive line and scores Fiji's Firth try to extend their lead 38-3.
35' Canada finally in Fiji's half attacking their line and loses the ball and the opportunity to narrow the deficit.
38' Fiji wins the scrum and attacks the Canadian line but losses the ball.
41' Taniela Rakuro scores his second try before half time to extend their lead 43-3.
Half time Fiji leads 43-3
40' Canada kicks off and Fiji quickly attacks and Joji Nasova scores within seconds of the first half.
43' Etonia Waqa given a yellow card for a high shoulder charge.
46' Fiji playing with 13 men as Fiji won another penalty and half back Kuruvoli loses the ball.
49' Canada could not convert possession into points as they continuously attacked the Fiji line and eventually lost the ball.
53' Kemu Valetini converts a penalty goal and extends Fiji lead to 51-3.
55' Fiji back to full strength.
56' Kaliveti Ravouvou scores slices through the defense extending their lead 58-3.
58' Canada scores their first try of the game to narrow their deficit 53-10.
63'Viliame Mata try was dis allowed after TMO review of a forward pass.
64' Kaliveti Ravouvou scores his hat-trick to extend Fiji's points 63-10.
70' Canadian forward gets knocked out from a hard defensive play from Mata.
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