Flying Fijians 2019 Rugby World Cup – Japan

The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan was held from September 20 until the 2nd of November.

Fiji were drawn into Pool D for the 2019 Rugby World Cup facing off against Australia in Sapporo, Uruguay in Kamaishi, George in Osaka and Wales in Oita.
The Flying Fijians put out some incredibly entertaining and thrilling rugby the tournament with particularly exciting performances against Australia, Wales and Georgia.  Semi Radradra was named player of the match in the final game against Wales.

Whilst Fiji did not progress through to the finals series falling agonisingly short in points – however finished third in their pool securing automatic qualification for France 2023.

The draw for France 2023 has not been produced, but with new coach Vern Cotter on board and the High Performance pathways continuing to develop exceptional local based talent, the next tournament is guaranteed to be an exciting prospect for Fiji Rugby.

Game 1 – AUSTRALIA V FIJI  | Saturday 21st October – Sapporo Dome 
Australia 39 (Michael Hooper (18′), Reece Hodge (36′), Tolu Latu (57′, 62′), Samu Kerevi (69′), Marika Koroibete (72′)
CONV Christian Lealiifano (19′), Matt Toomua (70′, 74′)
PENS  Reece Hodge (51′)

Fiji 21 (Peceli Yato (8′), Waisea Nayacalevu (44′)
CONV Ben Volavola (46′)
PENS Ben Volavola (5′, 23′, 31′)

Game 2 – FIJI V URUGUAY | Wednesday 25th September – Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium
Fiji 27 (Mesulame Dolokoto (8′), Eroni Mawi (19′), Api Ratuniyarawa (48′), Nikola Matawalu (67′, 82′)
CONV Josh Matavesi (20′)

Uruguay 30 (Santiago Arata (14′), Manuel Diana (22′), Juan Manuel Cat (26′)
CONV Felipe Berchesi (15′, 23′, 28′)
PENS  Felipe Berchesi (38′, 61′, 76′)

Game 3 – GEORGIA  V FIJI | Thursday 3rd October – Hanazono Rugby Stadium
Georgia 10 (Mamuka Gorgodze (53′)
CONV. Soso Matiashvili (55′)
PENS.  Soso Matiashvili (35′)

Fiji 45 (Waisea Nayacalevu (20′), Frank Lomani (45′), Josua Tuisova (50′), Semi Radradra (61′, 76′), Semi Kunatani (68′), Api Ratuniyarawa (70′)
CONV Ben Volavola (21′, 63′, 70′, 72′, 77′)

Game 4 – WALES  V FIJI | Wednesday 9th October – Oita Stadium 
Wales 29 (Josh Adams (18′, 31′, 61′), Liam Williams (69′)
CONV. Dan Biggar (20′, 32′), Rhys Patchell (70′)
PENS.  Rhys Patchell (58′)

Fiji 17 (Josua Tuisova (4′), Kini Murimurivalu (9′)
PEN TRIES (54′)