FIJI downed Tonga 32-10 in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva.
Tonga’s King Tupou VI watched as the Ikale Tahi drew first blood but then lost momentum, allowing the Flying Fijians to dominate and win the match.
The Ikale Tahi shocked the host with a try just one minute into the game.
After an array of solid hit-ups in the middle, experienced half back Augustine Pulu scored under the posts.
Patrick Pellegrini was the mastermind for Tonga. The fly half continued his excellent form from Moana Pasifika duties in the Super Rugby season.
The game was mostly a battle in the forwards. Both teams had something to prove when it came to the lineouts and scrums as the forwards went head to head.
But Fiji finally gained the upper hand in all facets of play.
Tonga could not convert their turnovers and early domination of the rucks into points.
The home team took some time to settle in but once they did, the free flowing flamboyant Fijian rugby was soon put on show.
Fiji’s loose trio of Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa and Viliame Mata were ferocious in defense and relentless in attack.
Kalaveti Ravouvou and Ponipate Loganimasi were superb on the wings while center Tuidraki Samusamuvodre linked up well in the backline.
Perhaps the unsung hero of the game was always going to be their captain Tevita Ikanivere. The young hooker made some significant solid tackles, was mobile around the park and accurate with his lineout throws.
Fiji led 17 – 10 at half time.
Tongan legendary half back Sonatane Takulua came in the second to replace Pulu but could not change the course of the game. Fullback Salesi Piutau did not have a good outing. In hindsight, age seems to have caught up with both Piutau and Takalua.
The final nail in Tonga’s coffin was when number 8 Siosiua Moala was shown a red card in the 69th minute, for illegally entering the maul a second time.
Tonga lacked discipline throughout the match.
But by the time the red card was issued, Fiji was leading 32-10.
Fiji plays Samoa next Saturday at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand. Tonga beat Samoa in Nuku’alofa last week.