Warriors thrash Pacific Island rival 54-14

The Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors proved too strong for their Tongan rival at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last week. Picture: MITIELI BALEIWAI/FRU/SUPPLIED

By SEREANA SALALO

The Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors thrashed Pacific rival Tonga A 54–14 in their first match at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last Friday.

The Warriors kept a strong lead throughout the game, scoring four tries in the first half.

Eroni Mawi, Tira Patterson, Enele Tikotani and Veramu Dikidikilati scored a try each in the first half to maintain their lead.

Tonga A captain Liueli Simote scored their first try 15 minutes into the first half while fullback, Alofosio Vahe, scored their second try in the last minute of the first half.

Both tries were converted successfully by first five-eight, Liueli Simote.

The Fiji Warriors led 29–14 at half time and maintained their dominance in the second half with the substitution of the Under 20 ruggers.

Mawi scored his second try in the first few minutes of the second half, extending their lead to 34–14 despite the unsuccessful conversion.

Tudraki scored another try in the 20^th minute, continuing Fiji’s lead to 39.

Wing Tira Patterson also scored his second try along with Dikidikilati, taking their points up to 49–14 after another unsuccessful conversion.

Tuidraki scored the last try of the game.

Warriors captain Savusavu lad Frank Lomani said he pleased with the team’s performance.

“Firstly, massive thanks to the boys for a great effort given and shown tonight and to the Tongans for a physical game,” he said.

Despite the win, Lomani says there are weaknesses that need to be improved by the team in the next game against Samoa and the Junior Japan team.

“Our focus is to improve on our mistakes, especially cutting back on the Fijian way of rugby, giving 50-50 balls and knock-ons.”

Captaining the national team at an international tournament was not easy for the 23-year-old.

“During the game, I was a bit nervous but I told myself to play rugby the way I’ve been playing club rugby.”

Lomani also praised the under 20 players that impacted the second half of the game to maintain their lead throughout.

“The under 20s have stepped up an put their body on the line and increasing the tempo of the game in the second half, they were really good”

Lomani also acknowledged his fly half partner, Caleb Muntz, for a great game.

The Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors will take on the Junior Japan team at 5pm tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium.

• Sereana Salalo is a final-year journalism student at The University of the South Pacific in Suva.