The Australian Schoolboys clinched the Pacific Cup with a decisive 35-10 victory over the Fijian Schoolboys at Viking Park in Canberra this past Saturday. While the final score may suggest a one-sided match, the Fijian team showcased a remarkable improvement from their earlier performances, particularly following a heavy defeat in their first game of the series.
The match opened with high intensity; however, Fiji encountered an early setback as players Nemani Bativou and Asaeli Bulai were sent to the sin bin in rapid succession. Taking advantage of the reduced numbers on the field, Australia was first to score with hooker Adrian De’Klerk crossing the line for a try, successfully converted by Elijah Breen, putting the home team ahead 7-0.
Despite being outnumbered, Fiji displayed their signature style and fighting spirit, illustrated by loosehead prop Esira Livicala’s try in the 27th minute, which brought the score to 7-5, though the conversion attempt was missed. Australia quickly countered, with Glassie scoring another try just two minutes later. Breen’s conversion extended their lead to 14-5 as the teams headed into halftime.
The second half saw Fiji strike early with a try from fly-half Carter Mucunabitu in the 50th minute, closing the gap to 14-10. Nonetheless, Australia’s dominance in set-pieces and overall discipline were crucial in determining the outcome. Lock James Finegan scored at the 56-minute mark, and Glassie added two more tries in the final quarter, with Kirsten successfully converting the final attempts to ensure a 35-10 victory.
Fiji’s efforts were commendable, as they demonstrated resilience despite facing a late yellow card and multiple sin bin infractions. Notable performances from Livicala and Mucunabitu highlighted their potential, offering a positive outlook for future international competitions. The match served as a testament to Fiji’s growth and competitive spirit, suggesting that with continued development, they can emerge stronger in upcoming challenges. This improved performance gives hope for their prospects as they aim for success in future campaigns.