The Fiji under-20 side put on a gallant performance and went down fighting against a strong Australian side in their opening match of the World Rugby U-20 championship early yesterday morning at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, South Africa yesterday.
Australia defeated Fiji 46-37. Fiji U20 head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa said they were gutted by the loss, however, admitted that several factors were not in their favour.
“We came here to play rugby and there are a few things that challenged us. The four days of preparation for this first match was a challenge — another was the flight here and the time difference,” he said.
The former Flying Fijians lock said those factors showed up in the last 20 minutes of the match.
“We wanted to beat Australia, but the result did not come our way.”
He said before they faced England next Friday and the first thing right now for the side was recovery.
“We need to look after the boys well and work on our weak points and review our game and look at England’s game to gauge ourselves.”
Captain Motikiai Murray said he was proud of the boys’ performance because they would be working on fixing their mistakes before their next match.
“It was really hard facing the Junior Wallabies and there were some few mistakes on the line-out and we will fix our mistakes and focus on the next game.”
Australia-20 coach Nathan Grey said it was a fantastic game of rugby with a lot of tries scored.
“We are very happy that we can get away with a win.”
Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui, following the game, commended Murray on Twitter.
“The world is at your feet, young man.”
He also heaped praise for the side, “gutted for the boys, hell of an effort against a quality Australian team”.
In another Pool B match, England and Ireland played to a 34-all draw.
