THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians made a statement in the semi-final of the Pacific Nations Cup with a 63-10 win over Canada at Denver in Colorado, USA.
The side posted a 43-3 lead at halftime with tries to Taniela Rakuro (2), Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Kalaveti Rouvou and Eroni Mawi.
Joji Nasova and Ravouvou, with a double, extended Fiji’s scoreline in the second half.
There was a lot to celebrate from the 10-try match with Bristol Bears winger Ravouvou scoring a hattrick and earning the Player of the Match accolades, Rakuro, lethal, on the left wing, bagging a double and Nasova scoring on debut.
Kemu Valetini did well off the tee with a 73 per cent success rate.
“I think our start- the last couple of games we were a little slow out of the blocks and I thought today we started well and with some real intent,” head coach Mick Byrne stated.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere said they executed what they spoke about the entire week.
“We talked about knowing how Canada was going to come hard at us as we are the defending champions. We talked about just hunting them down. I’m proud of the boys and the effort they put in in the first half until the 80th minute, how we handled the two yellow cards, and we got to work on our discipline next week and be better.”
Fiji will meet Japan in the grand -final on Sunday at Salt Lake City in Utah, USA.
Japan had defeated Tonga 62-24 in the first semi-final.
Tonga will face Canada in the third place play-off.
