Fiji Barbarians sneak in for the win.

Sigatoka today was truly a mixed bag, rugby was spluttering along for the most part and the tempo hit record highs as the Fiji Barbarians snatched victory in the dying seconds. The heroes for Fiji were two super subs, Apisalome Waqatabu scoring a superb try in the corner and Amani Bosenawai nailing a sideline conversion to seal the deal.

The visiting Tongans must be leaving the pitch wondering what else they have to do to secure a win; they gave it all today and were very unlucky not to taste victory. Their forwards are big, they are composed and rumbled it up the field at will today. The scrum belonged to the Tau'uta Reds and the pack never stopped the pressure on the Fijian’s and worked tirelessly all day. Scrum half & captain for the home side was Kelemedi Bola, he was the shinning light for them and darted around the rucks and mauls with the mere scraps he was given, this energy and drive was the one thing that kept Fiji in the hunt.

The crowd certainly got their moneys worth today, there was pace, huge hits and lots of open running to be cheered on. With big Island men there was also a bit of sloppy play and the odd ill discipline that came along, in general though the game was alive as they both wanted the points. This match seemed destined for the Tongans, when rampaging number 8 Lotu Filipine crashed over in the 79th minute the game seemed over. The last few minutes saw a bit too much kicking from the Reds and with a sniff of a chance the home team swooped to score after a long phase of attacks on the Tongans line. This try left it 23-24 with the kick to come from wide, young Bosenawai was as calm as an Islander sitting under a mango tree and sent it through the uprights.

Fiji Barbarians

1 Sakeo Latianara; 2 Aseri Buli; 3 Isikeli Gavidi; 4 Joeli Lutumailagi;    5 Mosese Fatiaki; 6 Mitieli Cama; 7 Ameniasi Nava; 8 Ratu Josefa Nagatalevu; 9 Kelemedi Bola (capt); 10 Ravai Fatiaki; 11 Vima Tuidraki; 12 Jimi Mule; 13 Tikiko Uluiviti; 14 Ropate Ratu; 15 Isimeli KoniferediReplacements: 16 Eseroma Cakacaka; 17 Setefano Somoca; 18 Filipe Kuruvoli; 19 Aca Bibi; 20 Nemia Kenatale; 21 Amani Bosenawai; 22 Apisalome Waqatabu  

Tries: Ratu, Nagatalevu, Waqatabu
Conversions: Bosenawai 2
Penalties: Bosenawai 3
Yellow card: Gavidi

Tau’uta Reds

1. Otulea Fifita 2. Atelea Huakau 3. Sateki Matau 4. ‘Isileli Fine 5. Sione Timani 6. Kelepi Halafihi 7. Afele Tongia 8. Lotu Filipine (Captain) 9. ‘Enele Taufa 10. Vaea Poteki 11. Petelo Tupou 12. Sione Masima 13. ‘Ofa Takai 14. Ualosi Kailea 15. Tupou Palu.

Replacements: 16. Taniela Te’ekafa 17. Siua Halanukonuka 18. Saia Taufalele 19. Jack Ram 20. Makoni Finau 21. Sikalele Ahoafi 22. Salesi Havili.

Tries: Fifita, Taufa, Filipine 2
Conversions: Poteki 2
Penalties: Poteki
Yellow card: Halafihi