Fiji wins second match

Fiji Times - Saturday, April 05, 2008 5:46 PM

RA’S Timoci Matanavou was yesterday hailed as the new “superstar” as he showed his brilliance in the 33-12 win over France in the second pool match.

The win ensured Fiji qualified for the quarter-finals to be played today.
The speedster’s performance was hailed by Digicel-sponsored Fiji manager Opetaia Ravai who said Matanavou had provided them with the missing link.
Matanavou was not only at his usual best scoring tries but also helped in defence and set up play which eventuated in other players getting to the try line.
“He (Matanavou) was the missing link which we were looking for as he has speed to burn and can outside of players,” Ravai said.
The new find set up rover Tomasi Mawi for the first try which was converted by William Ryder as Fiji led 7-0.
Mawi’s mistake in defence when he missed a tackle saw Vincent Roux get an unconverted try to narrow scores to 7-5.
Fiji put their acts together after the try and Matanavou showed his quick thinking ability.
He quickly took a penalty and sprinted away to score the second try which was converted by Ryder before Lepani Nabuliwaqa added an unconverted try.
Fiji led 19-5 at the break.
Moments later Matanavou was at his best again as he set up Nabuliwaqa for his second try.
Ryder converted to take Fiji to 26-5.
However a missed tackle by Emosi Vucago saw Anthony Poujol add France’s second try which was converted. Fiji led 26-12.
Ryder managed to get a try and added the conversion for the 33-12 win.