A one hundred percent kicking success rate from Fiji Under 20 fullback, Tikilaci Vuibau saved Fiji from being relegated at the Junior World Championship in South Africa.
Vuibau contributed 14 points through his boot while team-mate, Sevanaia Galala scored their only try in the match to beat Italy 19-17 today.
Coach, Sale Sorovaki says the crucial penalty goals handed them the important win.
“It was a hard game, I take my hat off to the Italians, they taught us a few lessons on the maul. We knew they were going to take us upfront but we employed a secret the Italians did not know which was our kicker and I think it caught them a surprise. There’s always an element of surprise in any game and I believe we came out trumps today in the kicking department.”
Italy coach, Craig Green says they only let themselves down and its now back to the drawing board for the Junior World Trophy next year.
“In the early stages of the second half, we weren’t able to construct the same play we did in the latter stages. It was difficult conditions out there and Fiji took their chances really well.”
The Fiji Under 20s are now ranked 10th while South Africa were crowned the new world champions after beating New Zealand 22-16 in the final.
