THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians started their Pacific Nations Cup defence on a high, beating Ikale Tahi Tonga 32-10 in Suva yesterday.
Apart from the physical nature of the game, it also saw the celebration of culture with a group of USP students from Tonga performing a dance.
It also had a sense of royalty with the King of Tonga watching the game from the corporate box.
Fiji Rugby also gave a ‘qiri kava’ group a chance of a lifetime to showcase their talent during halftime and enjoy rugby.
They provided entertainment from the grass seating at the Nasese side, garbing the attention of a few Tongan ladies seated next to them.
On the field, Tonga drew first blood just two minutes into the match with Augustine Pulu going over for a converted try.
Not long after Fiji struck back with a penalty and a converted try to Seta Tamanivalu.
Caleb Muntz converted both the penalty and the try.
Fiji showed their flair and impressive offload skills in the 20th minute as Kalaveti Ravouvou finished off an impressive play under the sticks.
There was no doubt about Muntz missing from in front as Fiji led 17-7.
The home side had some solid chances of extending their lead but their handling errors denied them this.
Tonga kept the pressure on and was awarded with a penalty right on the halftime mark to narrow the scores to 10-17.
Fiji continued its onslaught in the second half with another penalty through the boots of Kiwi-born Muntz.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula showed his game awareness with 20 minutes to play, opting for a cross-kick outwide rather than playing the ball in the middle.
Ponipate Loganimasi timed it well and offloaded to an unmarked Tevita Ikanivere who went through for Fiji’s third try.
Things got worse for the visitors when Fiji’s impact player Taniela Rakuro forced his way through the Tongans defence line to extend their lead to 32-10.
Despite the game being too far-fetched for the visitors, they still fought on in the dying minutes but their efforts were in vain with John Tapueluelu spilling the ball at the tryline.
Fiji will face Samoa in its next match on Saturday, September 6 in New Zealand.