Flying Fijians Crushes Ikale Tahi 50-19 in Pacific Rugby Showdown
In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Flying Fijians delivered a statement performance, overcoming the Ikale Tahi 50-19 in an exhilarating clash at Teufaiva Stadium, toady. The win not only reinforced Fiji’s dominance in the reqion but also secured their place in the semi-finals of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, alongside Samoa from Pool A.
The game kicked off with a blistering pace as Fiji set the tone early. Within just two minutes, centre Iosefo Masi crossed the line after a perfectly executed overlap, putting Fiji on the board first. Although Caleb Muntz missed the conversion, Fiji’s intentions were clear: they were here to dominate.
Just minutes later, the Flying Fijians extended their lead. A long kick from Ravula was gathered by Karawalevu, who offloaded to captain Tevita Ikanivere. The skipper made no mistake, powering over the line, with Muntz adding the extras to make it 12-0. By the 10th minute, Fiji had further widened the gap to 19-0, courtesy of a rolling maul that saw Elia Canakaivata touching down in the corner.
However, the match took a dramatic turn at the 15-minute mark when Andrea Cocagi was yellow-carded for dangerous play, a decision that would soon escalate to a red card after review. Tonga seized the opportunity, with inside centre Feutuli Pea crossing the line just two minutes later, and Patrick Pellegrini’s conversion narrowing the gap to 19-7.
With a man advantage, Tonga’s momentum grew. Pellegrini’s precise cross-kick found Fine Inisi in the corner, further cutting Fiji’s lead. A penalty scrum awarded to Tonga resulted in Pellegrini himself scoring and converting, leveling the scores at 19-19 as halftime loomed.
Yet, Fiji had the last word in the first half. A well-executed lineout saw Canakaivata dive over for his second try, and Muntz’s conversion ensured Fiji went into the break leading 26-19.
The second half began cautiously, but Fiji soon found their rhythm. A penalty kick from Muntz extended their lead to 29-19 at the 56th minute. The floodgates opened thereafter, with quick ball movement and dazzling footwork from Inia Tabuavou leading to another try, pushing the score to 36-19.
As Tonga struggled to regain their first-half form, Fiji capitalized. Ratu Meli Derenalagi, who had been a constant threat throughout, crossed the line twice in the final 10 minutes, including a brilliant interception try, sealing the game at 50-19.
After the final whistle, both teams reflected on a match that was as much about building towards the future as it was about the present.
“It’s always tough playing against our Fijian brothers,” Tongan captain Ben Tameifuna remarked. “This game is just a stepping stone for us. Our main goal is the World Cup in Australia. We’re giving young players an opportunity and hoping to build on today’s performance.”
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere acknowledged the challenges his team faced. “We discussed our discipline. We let Tonga back into the game towards the end of the first half. With a powerful side like Tonga, if you give them a bit of space, they’ll take it. Our key focus was to maintain discipline and control, which we managed to do in the second half.”
Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne was pleased with his team’s growth. “There is a lot of growth in this team. Many players are in their third year of professional rugby and are discovering more about themselves. Today’s match was another experience for them to realize that they can’t take their finger or foot off the paddle.”
With this victory, Fiji advances to the semi-finals of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, where they will face Samoa. Tonga, meanwhile, will prepare for the 4th and 5th place match, with their opponents to be determined after the completion of Pool B games, which include the USA, Canada, and Japan.
This match was a clear indication and a powerful reminder of how much Fiji has grown as a Pacific rugby powerhouse and Tonga’s demise. Tonga has now lost their last five games and the new coaching staff is 0-5.
