Flying Fijians go down to Wales in the final RWC pool match
Flying Fijians ended its 2019 Rugby World Cup journey with a powerful display despite going down 29-17 to Wales in their final pool match at Oita Stadium.
The national 15’s side started the game on a high note with a 10 nil lead.
Josua Tuisova busted his way through for the first try after which full-back Kini Murimurivalu powered his way to the try line.
Flying Fijians were cut to 14 men two times in the first spell, with Tevita Cavubati and Semi Kunatani receiving yellow card each on two different occasions.
Wales managed to capitalize in the game with two converted tries and led 14-10 at the breather.
Fiji applied pressure in the second spell with Semi Radradra being dangerous on every occasion.
In the 53rd minute the Fijian forward did an awesome job with a fierce maul to the try line. The referee awarded a penalty try.
Wales managed to slot in a successful penalty to lock the score 17-all in the 58th minute.
The Dragon then bounced back in style scoring two more tries and sealing the match with a bonus point.
Flying Fijians Coach John McKee thanked the players for putting up a great showcase against Wales.
“I’m just so proud of the effort our boys put in this evening.
“They were playing the Six Nations champions who have been number one in the world this year.
“We really took the game to them but we didn’t get the win which we wanted” McKee said.
Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu said there were a lot of hard-work put behind the team coming to RWC.
“It’s never easy to come to RWC for such as small nation.
“Leaving our families behind and coming to this big campaign.
“Even though the result didn’t go our way I just wanted to thank the players for the gallant effort tonight” he said.
Semi Radradra received his second consecutive player of the match award after running 140 meters, 19 carries and beating 7 defenders in one match.
“We knew that it was our last game.
“We had to empty the tank and energy and give everything tonight” he said.