Fiji opened their Pacific Nations Cup title defence with trademark flair in Suva on Saturday, running in long-range tries to seal victory over Tonga.
The Tongans, fresh from their upset win over Samoa in round one, triumphed 32-10.
Tonga struck first when Augustine Pulu sliced through the defence after just three minutes. But from there Fiji found their rhythm, Caleb Muntz levelling from the tee before Ponipate Loganimasi and Seta Tamanivalu combined for a sweeping counter-attack try.
Kalaveti Ravouvou soon added a second from deep, his footwork leaving the Tongan defence stranded.
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Ill-discipline cost Tonga dearly, with No 8 Siosiua Moala spending time in the bin for side entry. Still, Patrick Pellegrini’s penalty before half time kept them within reach at 17-10.
The Fijians’ scrum dominance and breakdown pressure gradually told after the break. Loganimasi soared high to claim a cross-kick, setting up Tevita Ikanivere for a crucial third try.
Moala then earned a second yellow card – upgraded to red – for the same infringement, snuffing out any chance of a Tongan comeback.
Although Tonga had the last word over the tryline, the effort was chalked off for a knock-on as Fiji closed out a convincing win to underline their class.
Photo: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images
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