Fijian Under-20 to face Argentina in the 9th place play-off
Fijian Under-20 is set to face Argentina in the 9th place play-off at the World Rugby Championship currently underway in South Africa.
The side secured a spot in the championship for next year after displaying an awesome performance in the ninth-place semi-final beating Italy 41-26.
The Fijian Under-20 side ran in five tries. Sakenasa Nalasi, Sireli Masiwini, Mesake Vocevoce, Pateresio Finau and Isikeli Basiyalo scored a try each in the game.
Fly-half Isaiah Ravula was the star for the side, successfully kicking five conversions and two penalties.
Fijian Under-20 captain Motikai Murray said “I am really proud of the boys for their teamwork today.
I know we made some mistakes during our pool games. We went back to our hotel, reviewed the games, saw our mistakes and we have come back stronger.”
He further added they managed to basic rights and focused on the set pieces which helped them bag their first win.
“That was our main focus for this game. We knew it was one of Italy’s strengths and we had to put pressure on them there” he said.
While Murray thanked all the players he also acknowledged Ravula effort in collecting 16 points for the side.
“Isaiah was really good on his kicking game today. He’s worked hard on his game” said Murray.
Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa said “We have played our game today and we are very pleased with that.
Everyone was very confident. We said in our prep in the week that we needed a W today and we got it.”
He added “We won more than we did in our pool games but we failed to turn it into more points. At times our discipline let us down.”
“We need to stay tight and stay in the game for the whole 80 minutes. We can’t afford to drift in and out in this tournament.
“It’s something that we have talked about and that we have worked on” said Rawaqa.
The side faces Argentina at 12.30 am on the 15th of July.