Fiji continued their dominance in the Oceania U20s Challenge, defeating Moana Pasifika 48 to 19 in Round 3 at North Harbour Stadium.
The home side were outmuscled by Fiji, who scored six unanswered tries in the first half, flaunting their trademark speed and flair. Also commanding the set piece, they saw them lead at halftime 38-0.
Moana Pasifika were under the pump and spent most of the first half on defence, trying to find a breakthrough.
Both teams were punished for their ill discipline and yellow carded in the first half.
Moana Pasifika tried to create opportunities at the end of the first-half, chipping away at the defence but couldn’t get past the Fijian wall.
Despite playing catch up, Moana Pasifika showed heart coming into the second half full of energy, and did well to hold their ground.
The momentum shifted when fly half Tyler Pulini scored Moana Pasifika’s first try in the right corner in the 54th minute. Followed by another try by Alistair Saulala in the 60th minute.
Fiji responded with fullback Tevita Sovau crossing the line for their first try of the second half.
Moana Pasifika ended the match with a try from prop Spence Ioelu.
Fiji remain undefeated in the U20 challenge after a win earlier in Round One over the Ikale Tahi.
Fiji Captain Nalani May said, “We achieved our goal; we achieved our target. Hats off to Moana Pasifika they definitely gave us a good battle out there.”
“I reckon they gave us a bit of a scare in the second half, but we definitely recovered better.”
Moana Pasifika Captain Antonio Popoalii said that despite the loss, he was proud of his team’s fight throughout the match.
“A bit of a slow start for us, struggled to find our feet in the game, but full credit to the boys, who stuck in through the whole 80.”
Moana Pasifika has now shifted their focus to taking on Tonga in Round Three on Wednesday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. local time. While Fiji faces Samoa at 7:30 p.m.
Follow all the action @oceaniarugby & @moanapasifika on social for more information.
ENDS
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