Fiji Qualify for RWC, to Meet Americas 2

Fiji will meet Americas 2 in Rugby World Cup 2019. The Oceania country qualified this morning, defeating Tonga 14-10. The result means that the winner of the Canada vs Uruguay home-and-away series will face Fiji in Japan 2019.

Played in Nuku’alofa, Tonga on Saturday, the teams scored one try each. The home side started strongly, holding a 10-3 halftime lead. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi scored the one try of the opening half. The Loose Head prop’s score was converted by Tane Takulua. The scrum-half also landed a penalty.

Fiji fought back in the second half, regaining the lead in the 65th minute. Star second-rower Leone Nakarawa cscored for the decisive try. Two penalties from Ben Volavola completed the victory.

In winning win join Australia, Wales, Georgia and Americas 2 in Pool D. This sees a very similar pool to that of Rugby World Cup 2007. On that occasion Canada joined Australia, Fiji, Japan and Wales. Should the North Americans overcome Uruguay in qualifying the one alteration would be Georgia in place of Japan.

The one remaining qualifier in the Pacific Nations Cup will be played next Saturday. Samoa will have home advantage against Fiji. A win will see Samoa qualifying for RWC 2019 as Oceania 2. Currently Tonga has 6 points, one more than Samoa. In 2019 Oceania 2 will face both Argentina and the USA in Pool C.

SCORERS
TONGA
Try: Fisi’ihoi
Conversion: Takulua
Penalty: Takulua

FIJI
Try: Nakarawa
Penalty: Volavola (3)

TONGA
15 Atieli Pakalani, 14 David Halaifonua, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Tevita Taufui, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Tane Takulua, 8 Valentino Mapapalangi, 7 Jack Ram, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Leva Fifita, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi

Replacements: 16 Suliasi Taufalele, 17 Latu Talakai, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Sione Tau, 20 Michael Faleafa, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Kali Hala, 23 Kiti Taimani

FIJI
15 Timoci Nagusa, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Serupepeli Vularika, 8 Nemani Naqusa, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu

Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Vereniki Goneva, 23 Benito Masilevu