WRONG options cost the Telecom Fiji Warriors side its opening Pacific Rugby Cup competition match against the Reds A at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia last night.
The Rupeni Nasiga-skippered side succumbed to the hosts 19-22 in a close encounter.
Team manager Joseph Browne told Times Sports that the team made some wrong decisions in the match.
“The team played well, the match was a very close one but we made a lot of mistakes on the field that cost us the game,” Browne said.
“The team made some wrong decisions in running the ball and passes. There were a lot of 50-50 passes.
“We have lost a battle but the war is not over yet. We are now focusing on our second match against Force A.”
Browne said the players would undergo a recovery session today before coach Lance Whippy started preparations for the team’s second pool match.
“The main weakness in the team is decision-making and we will be working on that in the lead-up to our second match.”
Reds A fullback Jamie-Jerry Taulagi scored the opening try of the match to give his side the 5-0 lead at the break.
The national side bounced back in early second spell from Waisea Luveniyali’s try to lead 7-5 but Reds A regained the lead through a Rod Davies try.
Warriors centre Savenaca Rawaca crossed the line for a 12-10 lead before Tim Buchanan put Reds A back in front 15-12.
Replacement Nigel Ah Wong extended Reds A lead to 22-12 before Warriors winger Vilitati Sokiveta scored to cushion the deficit to 19-22.
Fiji’s chance of a late comeback was dashed when flanker Aminiasi Nava was sinbinned with three minutes left on the clock.
Reds A held on to win the match 22-19 and take the lead in Pool A alongside Force A, which earlier defeated Reds A 29-23.
The Fiji Warriors will take on Force A on Monday next week.
