The Fiji U18 School Boys rugby team faced a challenging match against the Australia School Boys, succumbing to a 61-26 defeat at Viking Park in Canberra. Despite the heavy loss, the Fijian team showcased glimpses of their exceptional attacking prowess in the initial stages of the game. The Fijians caught the Australian side off guard by scoring first, thanks to a swift counter-attack culminating in Jone Kunaqio’s try under the posts, putting Fiji ahead 7-0.
Australia quickly retaliated to equalize, but Fiji struck again with Ratu Vonolagi making a crucial line break and offloading the ball to Sailosi Taka for their second try. As the first half progressed, Australia’s team gained momentum, securing three successive tries and leading 28-14 at halftime. The second half saw the Australian side exhibiting a dominant performance, scoring five more tries and solidifying their victory.
Nevertheless, the Fijian team did not relent, with late tries from Iowane Kula and Nemani Bativou adding to their tally. Despite the spirited effort, the deficit proved too large for Fiji to overcome. The teams are set to meet again on Saturday, with the game available for viewing on FBC Sports.
In recent encounters, the Fijian team had shown resilience and the ability to bounce back, as evidenced by their previous victories against the Australian Schoolboys in past matches, demonstrating their potential and growth amidst tough competition. This upcoming match offers the young Fijians another opportunity to refine their skills and showcase the dynamic flair that characterizes Fijian rugby.