Australia A silenced Fijian fans after defeating the Flying Fijians 32 – 18 at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday, in round two of the Pacific Nations Cup.
The Aussies were a much improved side to the one that lost to Manu Samoa last week.
They starved Fiji of possession and disrupted the flow of the ball with well-timed rush defense plus kicks that kept Fiji back peddling.
They were more structured and clinical in every aspect of the game compared to Fiji, who committed many of the same mistakes they made against Tonga.
Fiji had made 11 changes to the side that defeated Tonga. Despite the inclusion of some of their test players like Josua Tuisova, Levani Botia, Ben Volavola, and former All Blacks Setareki Tamanivalu, the hosts were stopped in their tracks by a fine-tuned Australian team.
The Aussies scored two tries in the first half through lock Hugh Sinclair and right Wing Dylan Pietsch, while Fiji scored their two tries through inside backs Setareki Tamanivalu and Levani Botia.
Australia A led 15 -13 at halftime and managed to maintain that lead all throughout the game.
Australia ran in two more tries in the second half through winger Filipo Daugunu and second-row Jeremy Williams, while Fiji scored through towering lock Apisalome Ratuniyarawa.
MORE NEWS:
PNC thriller as Samoan comeback downs Tonga
Rugby fans ready for PNC second round
Aussie captain Ryan Lonergan sealed Fiji’s fate with a penalty in the 70th minute. Australia A head coach Jason Gilmore said he knew they had to be clinical with their game.
“Playing Fiji in Fiji is always a challenge and we are happy with the win, so now for us we are looking forward to playing Tonga next week,” Gilmore said.
The Aussies scored four tries to Fiji’s three. They will face Ikale Tahi Tonga at Churchill Park, Lautoka on July 16, with the Tongans hungry for a win.
