PNC: Wins for Fiji and Junior ABs

Timoci Nagusa scored two tries as Fiji defeated Tonga 36-22 in the opening match of this year's Pacific Nations Cup at the Teufaiva Stadium.

Timoci Nagusa scored two tries as Fiji beat Tonga 36-22 in the opening match of this year's Pacific Nations Cup at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa.

The win avenges Fiji's defeat against Tonga at the same venue in last year's competition.

Tonga began both halves with tries, but were unable to maintain the momentum against a Fiji side that scored three first-half scores and two more after the break to also earn a bonus point.

Taniela Maravunwasawasa kicked four conversions and a penalty for Fiji while Tonga scored three tries, through Alipate Fatafehi, Toma Toke and Vungakoto Lilo. Tevita Halaifonua added two conversions and a penalty.

In the second match played on Saturday, the strong Junior All Blacks held off a second-half comeback by Samoa to squeeze home 17-16 in Apia.

Winger Hosea Gear and full-back Israel Dagg had scored tries in the first half to put the visitors 14-0 up at the break.

But Samoa came roaring back in an enthralling second half with centre Gavin Williams to the fore. He slotted two penalties and then scored a try to reduce the deficit to six before Esera Lauina brought the gapo down to just one point with a try after 67 minutes.

The Junior All Blacks withstood a tense last thirteen minutes to record the win.

Fiji play the Junior All Blacks in Lautoka in the next round of matches on June 18. Tonga must wait until 23 June, against Samoa, to bounce back from their defeat.

With thanks to the IRB