Fiji have finally broken their winless streak since the Pacific Nations Cup final, outlasting Spain 41-33 in a chaotic, high-scoring contest marked by momentum swings, defensive lapses, and moments of pure brilliance.
Debutant Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula set the tone early, guiding Fiji around the park, but discipline issues immediately hurt the visitors. Spain struck first through a penalty and controlled the early exchanges as Fiji were repeatedly penalised.
Despite handling errors, Fiji showed flashes of danger. Elia Canakaivata and Vilive Miramira punched holes through Spain’s midfield, while a stolen lineout nearly produced a try—only for Simione Kuruvoli to knock on just short of the line. Moments later, the call was overturned and Fiji were awarded a scrum, but the opportunity again went begging.
Spain capitalised, scoring the first try through Estanislao Bay to lead 7-0. Fiji hit back quickly when Armstrong-Ravula chipped perfectly for Canakaivata, who scored under the posts to level the match 7-7.
Spain’s long-range specialist Gonzalo Lopez Bontempo added another incredible penalty from 56 metres, but Fiji responded again—Wainiqolo slicing through from 30 metres to set up Kuruvoli for Fiji’s second try and a 14-10 lead.
Just before halftime, Spain struck back when Alejandro Laforga crossed in the corner, reclaiming the advantage 15-14 at the break.
The second half continued at the same breathless pace. Fiji regained the lead through Kuruvoli’s second try, only for Spain to punish a loose pass from Sowakula—Bay intercepting and racing away for his own brace. Another penalty stretched Spain’s lead to 28-21.
Armstrong-Ravula kept Fiji in the fight with a penalty from 40 metres before Spain muscled over through Vicente Boronat to push ahead 33-24.
But Fiji refused to fold.
Atunaisa Sokobale bulldozed over to close the gap, and when Fiji won a crucial scrum penalty, Armstrong-Ravula again delivered a deft chip—this time for Taniela Nasova, who scored to put Fiji ahead 38-33. Another penalty extended the lead to 41-33.
Spain pushed late, benefiting from a yellow card to debutant Kavaia Tagivetaua, but Fiji held firm at the last lineout to secure a much-needed victory.
