Fiji has held off a late Scotland fightback to secure a 27-22 victory in a rugby Test at Suva on Saturday, bringing the tourists down to earth after their upset of Australia last week.
It was a second victory over European opposition in a week for the Fijians after they edged Italy last Saturday and came courtesy of tries from Peceli Yato and Henry Seniloli as well as five penalties and a conversion from flyhalf Ben Volavola.
The Scots, weakened by the absence of five players on British and Irish Lions duty, scored tries through Ross Ford, Ruaridh Jackson and Fraser Brown. Flyhalf Jackson also kicked a penalty and two conversions.
Hooker Ford, who won his 110th cap to better Chris Paterson’s tally and claim the Scottish record, crossed in the first half with his replacement Brown crashing over four minutes from time to give the visitors hopes of a late comeback.
Three yellow cards in the first half, two for Fiji and one for the Scots, set the tone for a hard-fought battle played out in humid conditions.
Scotland also beat the Italians in Singapore two weeks ago.
Net
Guest
The refree was from France and the weather was cloudy with light showers
ThugbyFan
Guest
Silly me, Finn Russell 5/8 and the prop Alan Dell were dragooned into the Lions tour squad after the WB match. But they still should have beaten Fiji.
ThugbyFan
Guest
I wonder if Scotland had "played their final" the week before, or was it the heat or did they rest some players, or was the referee from the SH and pinged their constant ruck interference and dragging down mauls? The media hasn't given much about the match. May have to scour the Scotland and Fiji RU web sites for an answer.
Alex James
Roar Rookie
Good to see a Melbourne Rebel leading the charge. Hope Volavola brings this form into the last couple of games. Well played Fiji.