Flying Fijians go down in the RWC opener

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians went down fighting 39-21 against Wallabies in the opening 2019 Rugby World Cup at Sapporo Dome, Japan this evening.

Fiji made a fiery start with fly-half Ben Volavola slotting in the first three points.

Our national team extended its lead after a break from Josua Tuisova and quick hand from Waisea Nayacalevu saw Peceli Yato dive in for Fiji’s first try.

Australia were quick to respond with a try from Michael Hooper as they narrowed the gap to 8-7.

Ben Volavola displayed an outstanding game off the tee as he slotted in two consecutive penalty kick. Fiji led 14-7.

Wallabies winger Reece Hodge pulled one back at the breather as Fiji took a narrow 14-12 lead at half time.

It looked the lady luck was leaning towards Fiji as Waisea Nayacalevu powered his way to the try line in the second spell. Fiji extended its lead to 21-12.

Wallabies winger, Hodge converted a straight penalty kick. Fiji then felt the impact in game after Australia made some quick changes.

Tolu Lotu managed to get two tries from the driving maul while Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete scored a try each to hand Wallabies a 39-21 win.

Flying Fijians Coach John McKee saluted the players from the gallant effort and said they just slipped in the second half of the match.

“First I would like to say how well we played in first half.

The second half unfortunately we couldn’t go on with it.

We gave away the game with some critical errors and gave Wallabies some good field position” said McKee.

He added the first match is done and its time to focus on the next game against Uruguay.

McKee explained “We got some travel tomorrow and from Monday we will be really focusing on the Wednesday game which is a very critical game for us.”

Skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu said they need to improve on certain aspects of the game before their next match.

He said “I thought we played well in the first half but there is a lot of things we need to work on for the next game.”

“It’s all about mindset and doing the individual jobs.”

“We have got a couple of niggling injuries but we have few days to work on our recovery and come prepared for next match” he commented.

Flying Fijians take on Uruguay – 5.15pm at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium on Wednesday.