The Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors made a winning start in the 2019 World Rugby Pacific Challenge thrashing Tonga A 56-14 at ANZ Stadium this evening.
Eroni Mawi, Tira Patterson, John Dyer, Veramu Dikidikilaki and Luke Tagi scored a try each in the first half taking an early lead 29-14 at the breather.
Tonga’s tries were scored by Captain Liueli Simote and Alefosio Vahe.
The Senirusi Seruvakula-coached side continued its momentum in the second spell, adding four more tries to seal the win.
The tries were scored by Peni Naulago, a double from Samusamuvodre Tuicakau and Patterson.
Captain Frank Lomani says this is a good start for them breaking the physical Tongan defence to score multiple tries.
“Massive thanks to the boys for the great effort shown tonight and to the Tongans for the physical game and to the fans for coming out in number to witness what the boys have to show tonight.”
Tonga vice-Captain Sione Tupou says despite the loss, they are happy that they managed to play their hearts out.
“Most of our boys are pretty new and to experience this level and most of them are under 20s and I’m grateful for the result and the effort that has been put in we were able to put a difficult time to the Fijians.”
Fiji takes on Japan A next Tuesday at the ANZ Stadium.
Meanwhile, Junior Japan beat Samoa A 31-21 in the match earlier this afternoon.
