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New Zealand 6 – Fiji 32
With both teams unbeaten prior to the final group round there was a lot at stake for this match of contrasting styles. Fiji, all power and pace, had probably looked the most convincing through the opening rounds but the DefenceBlacks had shown intelligence at the breakdown that allowed their counter attacking game to thrive. In the end it was Fiji’s ability to break the gain line that was to determine the match and with victory they progressed through to the quarterfinals as number one seeds.
The opening exchanges of the match were regularly punctuated with the referee’s whistle as both teams struggled at the breakdown. However, it was New Zealand who probably suffered the most if only through the uncertainty that crept in to their game at the tackle, an area where they needed to be able to go full bore.
Lacking this platform they struggled to get any purchase in the game whilst Fiji looked dangerous with ball in hand and were regularly threatening to breach the New Zealand defences. This they managed on two occasions in the opening quarter when first their impressive flanker, Manoa Tamaya, crossed for the opening score and then Josaia Lotawa burst through the a gap to grab a second. Fullback Tikilaci Vuibau could only land one conversion but Fiji had eased to a 12-0 lead.
Despite the set back New Zealand were still in the match and when Fiji lock, Save Tabakanalagi, slipped his bind at the maul, Ben Wyness was able to open the kiwi scoring with a penalty to reduce the lead 12-3. New Zealand needed to maintain their momentum but after some scrappy play they were rocked by two quick-fire Fiji tries. First it was Tikilaci Vuibau with Fiji’s third try before their impressive half back, Seru Cavilati crossed for the bonus point two minutes later. It was a hammer blow to New Zealand hopes and though Wyness landed a second penalty, just before half time, Fiji were in control 22 – 6 at the break.
The door for a DefenceBlacks comeback was partially opened early in the second half when centre Vilive Aria was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle. It was then kicked further open when four minutes later he was joined by fellow centre, Josaia Lotawa, again for a tackle offence but this time not using the arms. New Zealand should have made the thirteen man Fiji team pay but they were unable to make the vital break through.
As New Zealand started more and more to chase the game they had to take risks and were susceptible to the counter attack. It was from such play that they conceded turnover possession and gave Fiji the chance to run at a broken field defence. They needed no second invitation and landed the fatal blow when replacement backrow, Jiuta Takubu, scored their fifth try. A sixth, from another replacement, Sanaila Vitau five minutes later was simply the icing on the case. Jaoji Dakovulia added the two points and Fiji played out the final five minutes to record a deserved 34-6 victory.
With the Army losing in Pool 2 it meant that Fiji are the only unbeaten team in IDRC2015 and progressed to the Quarter Finals as Number 1 seeds. Their reward is a match against Australia at US Portsmouth on Monday 19 October.