PRC: Records tumble as Warriors thrash Reds

For the first time in the history of the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, we will have a single country final after the Fiji Warriors recorded a brutal 48-0 thrashing of the Tau'uta Reds this evening in Sigatoka. The win means the Warriors will face the Fiji Barbarians in the final next Saturday at the National Stadium in Suva.

The 48-0 point win is the largest in PRC history (bettering their previous mark of 47-8 over the Barbarians in last year's first round). The Warriors were lethal in broken play and punished the Tau'uta Reds.

The Warriors have grown from strength to strength after their shock first-round defeat to the Barbarians and have defeated every one of their Pacific Rivals in the four rounds since.

It took half an hour for the first points of the half to be scored in a scrappy and physical opening to the last pool match of the 2010 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup. It was Warriors halfback Joeli Nabogikolo who touched down after a five metre scrum was awarded to the defending Champions. Converted by Taniela Rawaqa, the Warriors jumped to a 7-0 lead.

Four minutes later the Warriors were in again when Centre Paula Karatu was put into a gap by his 5/8, Kori Yavala to sprint 15metres and score down the left flank. Rawaqa converted from out wide to give the Warriors a 14-0 lead with 5 minutes remaining in the half.

At half time the Warriors were 14-0 up and well on their way to next week's final in Suva.

The Warriors scored a try immediately after the break when winger Aminisitai Niukula raced down the left flank untouched to score in the left corner and open up a 19-0 lead.

Rawaqa made it a 22 point lead with a penalty in the 18th minute.

Replacement centre, Nikola Matawalu in a venture outside his usual halfback position, continued his impressive tournament with an intercept and 50m dash down the right hand side touchline to score and extend the Warriors lead to 27-0. Matawalu's try brought up the bonus point for the Warriors.

Replacement hooker Tuapati Talemaitoga scored just two metres later with a brilliant individual effort, charging 30m and brushing off all attempts at a tackle to score next to the posts. Converted by Rawaqa to give the Warriors a 34-0 lead.

A third try in the space of two minutes came after yet another turnover caused by jarring defence. The Warriors countered, shot the ball out to Ropate Ratu who burned off on a 50m dash to score under the posts. The Warriors' sixth try was converted by Rawaqa to give the Warriors a 41-0 lead.

The Warriors seventh try was scored by #8 Mosese Volavola who was on hand to crash over next to the posts after yet another 40m break by the Warriors. Rawaqa again converted on full time to give the Warriors an impressive 48-0 win.