Fiji storm back to beat Tonga

SUVA: Debutant Eremasi Radrodro scored the winning try six minutes from time as Fiji overturned a 15-0 half-time deficit to open up the Pacific Nations Cup with a 23-18 victory over Tonga in Suva yesterday.

Tonga, ranked 13th in the world, stunned their 11th-ranked hosts when firsthalf tries from scrum-half Tane Takulua and winger Pila Iongi helped them to a healthy half-time lead.

Flyhalf Ben Volvola and number eight Neemia Soqeta crossed after the break and Seremaia Bai drew the Fijians level with his second penalty before flanker Radrodro touched down in the corner in the 74th minute.

Welshman Nigel Owens officiated in his 71st Test to pass South Africa’s Jonathan Kaplan as the most experienced international referee.

Tonga, Fiji and Samoa are competing in the Pacific Nations Cup, which forms part of the qualifying process for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Samoa, who were held 19-19 by Georgia in Apia earlier in the day, will play Fiji in the second round of the Cup next Saturday. – Reuters