Fiji’s loss to Wales in their opening game did not discourage the Iliesa Tanivula-coached side after they ran in seven tries to beat Papua New Guinea 41-0 in their second pool game at day two of the Adelaide 7s.
Fiji might have had a shaky start from Jiuta Lutumailagi’s when he knocked the ball on but it was clear this was not the same team that faced the Welsh yesterday.
The side recovered dominated at kick off and gained most of the possession of the game.
Nasoni Roko registered Fiji’s first try in the second minute of play before Watisoni Votu, skipper Emosi Vucago increased Fiji’s lead with their contributions.
Waisale Beci’s try took Fiji to a 22-0 lead at halftime.
Vucago, Beci and Votu ran in their second tries to earn Fiji their first victory at Adelaide.
“The first game is always the hardest, Fiji I am sure wanted to stamp their mark but they came back strong against Papua New Guinea to keep our hopes alive,” former Flying Fijians coach Ilivasi Tabua said.
“They made a lot of mistakes against Wales. Kick off possession was the key, Pio Tuwai was there to get us in the front foot and he didn't. He was there for that role, to win Fiji balls at the kick offs. And when they did not have possession they should have defended well but they didn’t.”
“So there is a lot of improvement against Papua New Guinea, its good to see them bounce back but PNG was an easy opponent. Its Kenya that they have to really prepare for,” Tabua added.
Fiji needs to beat Kenya to qualify for the quarterfinals.
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