Fiji in flying start to Pacific rugby cup

Defending champions Fiji began their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a convincing victory over Tonga.

Fiji opened their defence of the 2014 Pacific Nations Cup with a bonus-point 45-17 victory over Tonga in Suva on Saturday.

Watisoni Votu and Sireli Bobo, who missed last week's warm-up match against Italy, both scored twice with Nemani Nadolo and captain Akapusi Qera also registering a try.

Nadolo contributed 20 points in the match with a try, six conversions and a penalty.

He had Fiji on the board within three minutes of the start with a penalty as they raced to a 24-3 lead by halftime.

Tonga, who opened their campaign with an 18-18 draw with Samoa last week, relied on a penalty by Fangatapu Apikotoa for their first-half points.

It wasn't until the final 20 minutes, when they trailed 30-3 and with Fiji down to 14 men after Votu was yellow-carded, that Tonga were able to score again.

They capitalised on the one-man advantage with two quick tries by replacement forward Viliami Fihaki, converted by Latiume Fosita.

But when back to full strength, Fiji shut out the game with further tries to Bobo and captain Akapusi Qera.


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