THE Fiji 7s team opened its 2019 Oceania Rugby Sevens Championships title defence on a high note with a 57-0 walkover of Niue at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Coach Gareth Baber was satisfied with his new players on day one yesterday.
“They did their jobs well, but we want to see them in tougher challenges,” Baber said.
“There are still facets of the game that I would like them to work on to go forward.”
Despite the slippery conditions, Kavekini Tabu opened Fiji’s account with his try under the sticks in the opening minute and capitalised on a loose ball minutes later for his second.
Josua Vakurinabili and Rusiate Matai also scored a try each with debutant Simone Kuruvoli adding three of four conversions to send the teams to the tunnel with a 26-0 lead at half-time.
Fiji continued their form after the break with tries from Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Napolioni Ratu, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Apenisa Cakaubalavu and Kuruvoli with a try and three more conversions.
Fiji: 1. Sevuloni Mocenacagi 5. Apenisa Cakaubalavu 6. Meli Derenalagi 10. Napolioni Ratu 11. Aminiasi Tuimaba 2. Josua Vakurinabili 3. Isoa Tabu 4. Kavekini Tabu 7. Vilimoni Botitu 8. Waisea Nacuqu 12. Rusiate Matai
Niue: 1. Leslie McIlroy 2. Keonte Tiauli 3. Lepau Feau 4. Kore-Lee Perenara 6. Alfred Smalley 9. Andrew Williams 12. Juston Vaimalu 7. Dawson Mele 8. Dwayne Talaisi 10. Jahsia Keil 11. Bono Napota
