Veteran Cakau shows his worth

Fiji Times - Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:52 AM

VETERAN Setafano Cakau proved critics wrong with his strong showing as his brace of tries helped the Digicel-sponsored Fiji side dump England 31-12 in the first pool match at the Adelaide Sevens yesterday.

The Prison warden was instrumental in his play and was strong and played a strong game in the forwards.

The match which was branded as a crucial encounter for the mighty Fijians didn't disappoint.

Josateki Savou's men put in a solid performance as they tried to erase the memories of the 34-0 hiding at the hands of New Zealand in the semi-final of the Hong Kong tournament last Sunday.

Savou was impressed with his players and said they had settled in well.

"We have had a good start and that is what we wanted as the pool games are very important," Savou said.

Cakau got on the score sheet after a quick tap penalty. William Ryder missed the conversion as Fiji led 5-0.

Good defense by Fiji denied England any real chance.

However missed tackles cost Fiji the first try as Simon Hunt managed to get the first try for the Poms.

Ben Gollings added the extras as England led 7-5.

Ra speedster Timoci Matanavou got a good individual try as he gathered a loose ball and sprinted away.

HIs pace was too much for England.

Ryder converted as Fiji led 12-7 at half-time.

After the break replacement Nasoni Roko set up Ryder.

Ryder beat the England defenders with is trademark step and converted his own try to take a 19-7 lead.

Fiji implemented a good defensive and attack pattern and played a well constructed match.

Kevin Barrett got the second try for England as he beat some feeble tackles. Conversion was missed. 19-12 to Fiji.

Cakau and Tomasi Mawi got two more tries for the final 31-12 score line.

Skipper Marika Vunibaka showed glimpses of his sevens skills as he managed to set up attack and led by example.