MANY Fijians from around the world tuned in to watch the FIJI Water Flying Fijians take on Wales in their Nations Championship opener, and watched till the end to see them fall 24-39 in a loss of their own making.
Both Fiji and Wales had a lot to prove in this match; Fiji was making its appearance in the inagural competition which will feature tier one teams and Wales needed to win after a winless spell that remained constant no matter who the coach was.
Renowned Fijian singer-songwriter and performer Georgina Ledua opened proceedings with her rendition of the Fijian national anthem and criticism by the outspoken Fijian rugby fanbase began right there for her and the team on a chilly Sunday morning back home.
The match got underway with tight competition from both sides until Pita Gus-Sowakula broke through the Welsh defence to draw first blood with a converted try in the second minute and kick made by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Seven minutes later, Jac Morgan of Wales scored a try thanks to a driving maul however the conversion was not enough to equalise with Fiji.
At the 17th minute, Selestino Ravutaumada came close to scoring at the end of the field however Blair Murray held him off with a separation of the ball under pressure after a TMO review.
Soul searching for more, Fiji sought for a way through Semi Radradra aiming for the Welsh-22 but the opponents caught up and sent the star winger to the ground, prompting an early exit from play with an ACL injury.
Racing 92 winger Kalaveti Ravouvou stepped in for the injured Taveuni player and the match resumed with Morgan adding another try in the 28th minute from a penalty to the corner and a failed conversion by Dan Edwards.
Six minutes later, Flying Fijian Tim Hoyt was conveyed out of the field by medical officials and replaced by Swire Shipping Fijian Drua veteran forward Peni Ravai.
Heading to half-time, Wales had to defend their territory as Fiji turned over the ball leaving Wales to grasp for a last chance but short-lived with the referee pointing it out as an off-side and a penalty kick for Fiji, made by Armstrong-Ravula to level 10-all at the break.
The next 40 minutes saw both teams come out firing and equally gaining and losing respectively.
Rhys Carre of Wales placed a try to the left with a successful kick by Edwards to extend scores 17-10 in their favour.
At the 45th minute, a Welsh kick from deep within their territory bounced onto the Fijian tryline and was pursued by Ravutaumada out of the field until Josh Adams snuck up from behind and stamped their next try.
The move gave Wales their four-try bonus point and definite control of the match.
Fiji responded with a converted try from Elia Canakaivata in the 49th minute with Wales kicking a penalty three minutes later.
With points standing at 25-17 for Wales, Fiji bounced back with a converted try from Ravutaumada with only a point separating both sides at 25-24.
Substitutions at the 58th minute saw Isoa Nasilasila replace Sowakula, French Top 14 winger Peceli Yato and Mesake Vocevoce entering the field too.
Vilimoni Botitu replaced Ravutaumada at the 64th minute and two minutes later, Ryan Elias scored another converted try for Wales.
Any chances of Fiji equalising or taking over the lead became slimmer with the 32-24 points difference, however Fiji powered on and ultimately fell short of victory as Eddie James scored the final converted try to hand them their first win under new head coach Steve Tandy.
With the Flying Fijians heading up to Liverpool to face England this Sunday, captain Tevita Ikanivere says they will head back to the drawing board before that match at 1.10am.
