Fiji Warriors edge Tonga, cement PRC win

The Fiji Warriors have defeated Tonga 25-16 at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa today to complete a clean sweep in the New Zealand and Pacific legs of the 2012 Pacific Rugby Cup.

The Warriors scored three tries in the victory, two in the first half via Maikeli Mocetadra and Manueli Gade in the 14th and 42nd minutes respectively. A 28th penalty by fly-half Kolinio Vunaki gave the Warriors a 15-0 lead at half-time.

Tonga fought back in the second half with a converted try and three penalties but it was not enough to deny the determined Warriors.

The Warriors’ win consolidate their spot atop the 2012 PRC standings with 31 points from seven wins in eight games after their 42-34 win over Samoa A in their first Pacific leg match at the same Tonga pitch on Monday.

The IRB Pacific Rugby Cup trophy was later presented to the Fijian Warriors captain, Leone Nakarawa by Tonga's King Tupou VI.

The Warriors' only loss this season was in their first match against Queensland A at Ballymore when the home team prevailed 36-24 in a highly entertaining match. They recovered from that initial setback to beat the Brumby Runners and Junior Waratahs in Australia. Then, in New Zealand they recorded an impressive clean sweep against the Crusader Knights, Blues Development XV and Chiefs Development XV.

Meanwhile, in the overall table, Samoa A finished second with 13 points whilst Tonga A finished at the bottom of the table with six points.

By Lavenia Vuadreu