Done. More To Do
The Pasifika Voices choir sang the national anthem the signals the return of international rugby to the ANZ Stadium after 12 months yesterday.
And the John McKee-coached Fiji Airways Flying Fijians did just enough to come out victorious with a 24-22 bonus point win over Manu Samoa.
It was tough and torrid Pacific Nations Cup encounter worth the dollar with the hits which delights the crowd and the misses, something the coaching panel will need to work on before the second test against The Lelos of Georgia on Saturday. It was a game the Fijians were bound to win in the end despite copping yellow cards to Jale Vatubua, Akapusi Qera and Eroni Mawi.
They varied their options to good effect playing and expansive game with pivot Ben Volavola calling the shots and taking the direct route when it mattered with Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa and Dominiko Waqaniburotu leading the charge.
But the outstanding feature of the game was the performance of the backline who scored all the four tries. Firstly wing Vereniki Goneva showed his class both in defence and offence. He set up tries for Kini Murimurivalu and Henry Seniloli and scored one. His try was well worked with Volavola hoisting a ‘Garryowen’ (high kick) which was perfectly contested by Murimurivalu.
Volavola read the game well and beat the rushing defence with a show and go to score for the Fijians to lead 17 -3 at halftime.
Here’s How We Rate Our Flying Fijians
1. Campese Maafu- Held his own took plenty of tough carries throughout before he was replaced by Eroni Mawi-7
2. Tuapati Talemaitoga- Always looking for opportunities in the middle, improved his throwing passed his defensive assignment. 6.5
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3. Manasa Saulo-Strong upfront, made some barnstorming runs and always gave the team a lift. -7
4. Api Ratuniyarawa- Among the senior leaders who led by example and never disappoint. -6.5
5. Leone Nakarawa- Always in the thick of battle, a tower of strength in defence and attack. -7 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu- Good defensive game and always an option in the lineout. -6 7.Viliame Mata-Played well in his new role, made a few steals. -6 8. Akapusi Qera –Was replaced in the second half after being yellow carded. -4.5 9. Henry Seniloli- Connecting with his passes and always provided
good cover. -6.5 10. Ben Volavola -Hard to beat when he is on form, defended well. -7.5
11. Vereniki Goneva – A splendid all-round performance. -8
12. Sefanaia Galala – Played the full 80 minutes on debut, defended soundly. -5.5 13 .Jale Vatubua –Despite copping a yellow card, he defended well. -6 14 Benito Masilevu- Always reliable out wide. -5.5.
15. Kini Murimurivalu- Cool under the high ball, sound in defence and attack. -7 Edited by Leone cabenatabua