Vuiviawa Naduvalo showcased his class and fitness with a hat-trick in Fiji’s opening match against Great Britain, helping his side edge out a thrilling 22–19 victory and strengthening his position as the series-leading try scorer.
Great Britain made a strong start, controlling possession and opening the scoring to take an early 7–0 lead.
Fiji responded through Naduvalo, who produced a brilliant individual effort to score the team’s first try and close the gap to 7–5.
He continued his impressive form soon after, breaking through Great Britain’s defensive line once again to score his second try and give Fiji a 12–7 lead.
The Fireman completed his hat-trick with another superb try, extending Fiji’s advantage to 17–7.
Fiji faced pressure in the second half when lanky forward Joseva Talacolo was shown a yellow card, allowing Great Britain to capitalise and score two tries to narrow the deficit.
However, debutant Nacani Boginisoko crossed his first try of the tournament to seal the win for Fiji.
Fiji will face Spain at 7:58 tonight in their second pool match, and then South Africa at 11.46pm in their final pool game.
The Men’s Cup semi-finals will be held at 6.52pm tomorrow, with the final scheduled for 11.41pm tomorrow.
LIVE UPDATES:
1st minute Fiji Kicks off and Great Britan keeps ball in hand scoring the first try to lead 7-0
3rd minute Fiji losses ball while attacking scrum to GB
4th Minute Fiji are giving away careless penalties GB on attack
6th minute Viwa Naduvalo scores Fiji first try to trail 7-5
7th minute Naduvalo scores the second try to take Fiji into the lead 12-7 at half time
2nd Half
1st minute in the second half Naduvalo scores his 3rd try of the game to extends lead to 17-7
2nd minute yellow card given to Talacolo Fiji
3rd minute GB attacks Fiji Line with a player down and scores a try to narrow the points,Fiji leads 17-12
4th minute Fiji attacking after scrum debutant Nacani scores his first try to extend lead 22-12
Full time GB scores the final try to narrow the points 22-19
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