Face-off with New Zealand

The Fiji Times - Sunday, March 30, 2008 7:45 PM

A BELOW par performance was enough to see Fiji march into the Hong Kong semi-finals with a 10-0 win over Kenya.

It was an unimpressive display from a side known for their slick handling and big side steps.

It was left to individual brilliance to get the side through to semi-finals where they will face New Zealand.

It was another fine Kenyan defensive performance that held the Fiji to just a 5-0 half time lead, thanks to a try to speedster Timoci Matanavanua.

Fiji had to dig deep as they failed to create spaces and continued to run into trouble.

The Kenyans, though, were unable to capitalise on some promising attacking positions with handling errors leading to their exit into the plate competition.

It was left to Viliame Maya to seal the match towards the end.

National coach Josateki Savou said the side will need to polish up on control play, ball retention and defence if they are to beat New Zealand.

“We’ll take the win but I have been stressing to the boys the importance of retaining possession and defending well against New Zealand,” Savou said.

“We can only get better from here. The players are aware of the task that lies ahead and are eager to take on the next challenge."

New Zealand’s winning streak continued against Wales but the final scoreline of 26-7 says nothing of the closeness of the encounter.

In the other half of the draw South Africa faced Samoa for a place in the final.

The South Africans beat Australia 19-14, before Samoa pipped England 17-12 at the death.