This article was published in The Fiji Times on Sunday, June 13, 2004.
FIJI’S rock solid defence was the key in its 29-3 win over Manu Samoa at the National Stadium yesterday.
The win also helped Fiji retained the Punjas Pacific Tri-Nations crown.
The numerous Samoan attacks were spoilt when they were hit by some hard tackles whenever they tried to attack the Fiji line.
The Vodafone Fiji forwards, led by Ro Alivereti Doviverata and Kalivati Baleisawani threw in some crunching defence, which forced Samoan captain Semo Setiti and experienced Brian Lima out of the match.
Fiji coach Wayne Pivac, who clinched his first win at home, said defence was crucial in yesterday’s win and his boys completely shut down the Samoans whenever they were on attack.
“It was a combined effort from the boys which gave us the win,” the New Zealand 2003 Coach of the Year said.
Pivac also commended the powerful performance from his forwards who dominated the battle upfront.
“I believe our forwards played well and lifted their game, particularly locks Ifereimi Rawaqa and Kele Leawere.”
In the backs, Pivac said Norman Ligairi played well, and his long raking kicks had the Samoans in trouble throughout the 80 minutes.
Pivac said his boys worked hard together as a unit and the continuity when on attack was the key to their scoring the four tries yesterday.
“Our boys had the enthusiasm to get those quick balls out wide and this resulted in our scoring those tries,” Pivac said.
“We are happy with the win, but we want to keep on improving our game.”
“We only had a few weeks to train together and try and get our forwards and backs to work on their moves.”
Pivac also commended the performance of the local boys who were selected into the Fiji team.
“The boys who were selected from the Colonial Cup competition have proven themselves and that is good for Fiji rugby.”
Three nations, one game … South African referee Tapa Henning (in red) steadies the front rows as Manu Samoa halfback Steven So’oialo gets ready to feed the scrum at the National Stadium in Suva on Saturday, June 12, 2004. Picture: LEPANI NAULUMATUA/THE FIJI TIMES ARCHIVE
Manueli Tiko on the run against Samoa in their Pacific Rim Rugby Championship match at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday, July 3, 1999. Picture: THE FIJI TIMES ARCHIVE