Unforced errors, card our downfall
Alapse of concentration 10 minutes from halftime was the turning point of the second Test when the All Blacks took control to dump the Flying Fijians 60-13 on Saturday night.
Playing in a packed FMG Stadium Waikato, the Fijians stayed within striking distance of the All Blacks.
Then disaster struck in the 30th minute when an unforced error by full-back Kini Murimurivalu, resulted in a scrum, with Sevu Reece scoring his second try for the All Blacks.
Then Flying Fijians captain, Leone Nakarawa, got yellow card for repeated infringements before Reece got his third try and Ardie Savea dotting down their fourth right on halftime.
“That final 10 minutes saw the game swung to the All Blacks,” said former All Blacks captain Kieran Read.
Flying Fijians forwards coach, Jason Ryan, said, they were disappointed with how things went towards the end of the first half after they had started well.
Nakarawa said despite the fact his men had fought gallantly discipline was their downfall.
So, let’s take a look at how we rate our players performance:
Ratings (/10) Peni Ravai
Scored our lone try and held his own in the scrums. His knee seemed to be troubling him later in the game: 5.5
Sam Matavesi- Spot on with his throws and superb with his overall play: 6
Mesake Doge- Fatigue seemed to get the better of him. Started strong but faded away as the game
went on. A great learning experience: 5
Temo Mayanavanua- He did what was asked of him but needs to be aggressive if he wants to compete against the best: 4
Leone Nakarawa- Had a lot on his plate and coupled with the captainship role, it affected his game. Got a yellow but held on to the end: 5.5
John Dyer- Marked man and penalised several times in the breakdown and was subbed early: 5
Mesulame Kunavula- Gave away a penalty and needs to work on his
running lines: 5
Peceli Yato- Too individual at times and needs to play smart: 5
Frank Lomani- Controlled play and varied our game. Never gave up: 6
Ben Volavola- Offered nothing new: 4
Nemani Nadolo- Tried hard but it was in vain: 4
Eneriko Buliruarua- Made his starting debut at a new position but did not disappoint. Made several strong runs and has good hands: 5.5
Waisea Nayacalevu- Steady but struggled to keep up with the pace of the game: 5
Kini Murimurivalu- Made several unforced errors, which resulted in tries scored against us: 3
Reserves
Albert Tuisue: Came in as an impact player and did just that. Tried hard despite the fact they were pushed around in the scrum: 5
Eroni Mawi: Scrummed well and good in general play: 4
Leeroy Atalifo: Struggled to stay in the game: 3
Mesulame Dolokoto: Need to perfect his lineout throws: 4
Moses Sorovi: Played his usual fast tempo but needs time to understand how his team-mates operate: 4
Manasa Mataele: Should have started. Defended well and did what was asked of him: 5
Kitione Kamikamica: N/A, Teti Tela: N/A.
leonec@fijisun.com.fj