FIJI Water Flying Fijians creates history at Twickenham

FIJI Water Flying Fijians created history by securing their first-ever victory over England in their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at Twickenham today. 
 
The Simon Raiwalui-coached side defeated the Red Rose 33-22 in front of over 30,000 crowd. 
 
Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi, and Simione Kuruvoli got Fiji’s tries, while Caleb Muntz kicked 15 points via three conversions and three penalty goals. 
 
It was the first try scored by England as they host looked like they had set the platform in the early stages of the game. But the rest of the first half belonged to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, and once their first attack had unfolded amid a downpour, Muntz landed a penalty. 
 
The heavy rain had stopped and, while handling was still treacherous, the well-organized Flying Fijians continued to probe for openings that almost produced a dynamic try for Nayacalevu that was ruled out for a marginal forward pass. 
 
Under pressure, England wrestled back the ball and was only denied in the right corner by a try-saving tackle on Max Malins that took place in the moments after prop Eroni Mawi committed a yellow card breakdown offense. 
 
With Mawi still in the sin-bin, Fiji ran in their first try with a little help from weak tackles by May and Freddie Steward on Selestino Ravutaumada that enabled Nayacalevu to cross at the end of a slickly orchestrated attack. 
 
Hobosi then fired up his way onto the try line after breaking the English defense. 
 
After a while Muntz landed another penalty, they still trailed, although there was evidence they had found a second wind. 
 
While England gave their all, the Flying Fijians were ruthless and Simione Kuruvoli forced his way over the try line for Fiji’s final points. Muntz again was perfect off the tee. 
 
Head Coach Simon Raiwalui said “It was a good game and started on a high tempo. There was some pressure on us in the first half but we gained control of the game in the second spell and played well. 
 
There are still plenty of things to work on and it was a tough match against a very good England team.” 
 
Captain Waisea Nayacalevu said thanks to the players for the gallant effort today. 
 
“For me, this group of players compared to other groups I have been with is different in terms of the bond we have which is quite special. Like Simon said we went back and reconnected with our roots and who we are, who we represent, and that is probably the foundation of our campaign from the beginning of this season” said Nayacalevu.