Fiji score 29-16 win over Canada - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Fiji score 29-16 win over Canada

By Justin Palmer 17/09/2007 06:18:21 AM Comments (0)

Fiji have kept their World Cup campaign on track by beating Canada 29-16 and securing a bonus point in their Pool B clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Fullback Kameli Ratuvou scored two tries as the Pacific Islanders made it two wins from two, following up their narrow win over Japan and throwing the gauntlet down to Wales in the chase for knockout qualification.

Fiji led 15-6 at the break after tries from Kele Leawere and Ratuvou. The influential Vilimoni Delasau crossed early in the second half to extend the advantage before Ryan Smith's try gave the Canucks a lifeline.

They mounted a late rally but in threatening in the final seconds they lost possession and Ratuvou sprinted the length of the pitch to condemn Canada to successive defeats which effectively ends their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Both teams made two changes in their starting side from their tournament openers, Fiji bringing in second row Ifereimi Rawaqa for Wame Lewaravu and tighthead prop Jone Railomo coming in for Henry Qiodravu.

Second row Mike Burak took Ander Monro's place for Canada with Ryan Smith preferred at flyhalf instead of Luke Tait.

James Pritchard and Nicky Little exchanged early penalties, before Fijian wing Isoa Neivua served first notice of the pace the Pacific Islanders possess in the backline.

His scampering run down the left flank carried him to within five metres of the line, only for his pass back inside to find a Canadian hand.

Canada kept Fiji's natural attacking exuberance in check for the opening 20 minutes but were soon exposed. A rampaging run from Ratuvou ended a metre short but Fiji kept up the pressure and from their next attack lock Leawere smashed through for the first try and his second in the tournament.

Canada were ponderous going forward in comparison. Pritchard kicked a second penalty but they were soon exposed again as Ratuvou pounced from close range after some incisive handling between forwards and backs.

A third try in the opening minutes of the second half put Fiji further ahead. Again they attacked with verve, flanker Akapusi Qera making the break before the ball was worked out to the right for wing Delasau to power over.

Canada refused to roll over, though, and flyhalf Smith capped a sustained spell of pressure to burst through on 58 minutes.

The Canucks thought they had scored again nine minutes from time but Mike Pyke's touch down was ruled out by the video referee for double movement.

Unbowed, Canada kept on grinding away against tiring Fijian defenders. With seconds remaining they advanced to within a few metres of Fiji's line but lost possession and a gleeful Ratuvou scooped up and ran the length of the pitch to secure a bonus point.

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