Published in The Fiji Times on Monday, May 25, 1987
Fiji stunned the rugby world on Sunday, May 24, 1987 when it beat Argentina 28-9 in their first pool match at the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
The opening upset took place at the Rugby Park stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, now known as the FMG Stadium Waikato.
The Fiji Times reported the backrow proved instrumental in the opener, as Manasa Qoro led the way for the Flying Fijians to place four tries that saw them overpower the one-try wonder handed in by the Argentines.
However, the Pumas showed no surrender despite the loss as Fiji had to ward off any potential breaks in their defence where their opponents could have broken through.
When the 80-minute clash began, it was reported Fiji was modest in its approach however ‘in the end, the ruck came to the fore.’
First-five eight Elia Rokowailoa was on a stellar mission and towered over the Pumas skipper Hugo Porta, Rokowailoa having made a grand test debut.
The opening minutes of the game were intense as Argentina and Fiji sought for domination in a relentless pursuit of the ball with Porta’s kick held down by Peceli Gale.
When it happened, hooker Salacieli Naivilawasa pounced for advantage and handed the ball off to Gale who opened the envelope to deposit Fiji’s try into the scoresheet.
Points came about in the 20th minute from Severo Koroduadua who handed in a penalty from the 10-metre line. Fiji held on with nine points, Argentina nil.
The article noted how the Pumas calculated the prospect of playing advantage rugby, however Fiji were ahead of them and shut them out at every opportunity.
Naivilawasa touched down the ball for another try as the match went into a 13-0 balance at half-time.
After the break, the Pumas changed gears and relied on the backline duo of Diego Cuesta Sila and Fabian Turnes to arouse wonder from the crowd.
Tries for Fiji at this stage were made by Kavekini Nalaga, a conversion kick by Rokowailoa as Fiji led 19-0.
The match report added an exit by Pumas player Gustavo Milano saw Fiji ease in for the kill afterwards.
Another try by Ilaitia Savai and a kick by Koroduadua saw them cement a 28-3 lead, the Pumas three-pointer made by Porta earlier on.
Meanwhile, a penalty try by Porta saw them finish off with 28-9.
Fiji: Severo Koroduadua, Kavekini Nalaga, Tomasi Cama, Epineri Naituku, Serupepeli Tuvula, Elia Rokowailoa, Pauliasi Tabulutu (sub Paulo Nawalu), John Sanday, Manasa Qoro, Peceli Gale, (sub Samu Vunivalu), Ilaitia Savai, Koli Rakoroi (captain), Sairusi Naituku, Salacieli Naivilawasa, Rusiate Namoro.
