China Lions clip Fijian Latui wings

THE Fijian Latui rugby team narrowly lost its Global Rapid Rugby opener in a cliffhanger to the China Lions by 29-22 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on Saturday night.

Latui captain Serupepeli Vularika said it was disappointing.

"We had our moments and just some missed opportunities, we will look to improving some areas ahead of the next match," Vularika said.

Flyhalf Teti Tela nailed Latui's first points through a penalty on the 10-minute mark followed by number eight Eremasi Radrodro getting the first converted try on the 28 minute mark.

China Lions scored their first points through lock forward Hoani Matenga in the 31 minute with flyhalf Dan Hollinshead converting successfully and also adding a penalty to send the teams to the break locked up at 10 all.

The Latui gifted a penalty try to the Lions two minutes into the second half when a maul was collapsed by the home side on the tryine which also saw blind winger John Stewart yellow carded.

The Lions took advantage of the 14 men Latui side which resulted in blindside flanker Ray Tatafu extending the lead with an unconverted try.

The Latui clawed back with some sublime skills from Tela setting up Lepani Raiyawa for a five pointer in the corner on the 50 minute mark.

Tela also added the two points.

Reserve centre Apisalome Vota levelled the points with an unconverted try in the 59 minute.

The Lions rallied to regain the lead by Fijian exponent and inside centre James Little in the 62 minute with Hollinshead adding the extras to secure the win for the visitors by 29-22.