The Vodafone Fiji Under 20 rugby side had a solid start to their Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge campaign after beating the Junior Ikale Tahis 39-25 yesterday.
Fiji dominated with their lethal speed and flamboyance as they came out with a solid attacking effort in the first half of the game scoring three tries to flanker Ebenezer Navula, Number 8 Rupeni Nakiyoyo and Hooker Joshua Uluibau and two penalty kicks.
Tonga only managed one penalty in the first spell as the game went into the break with Fiji holding a comfortable 29-3 lead.
The Ikale Tahi made a fierce comeback in the second half with three consecutive tries in the first 10 minutes as the score suddenly was 29-22.
Fiji only managed to score 10 points in the second half through a converted try and a penalty kick which was enough to hold off a spirited Tongan side.
Captain Nalani May says they tried to keep their opponent guessing, kept them on their heels, and played the Fijian style of rugby.
May says they definitely got caught off guard in the second half, but they just regrouped on the field and stayed together.
In other matches yesterday, Moana Pasifika U20s beat Manu Samoa U20s 27-20.
Fiji will take on Moana Pasifika in round 2 this Saturday at 2pm.
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