Winger scores on debut

Fiji Times - Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:28 PM

LONG-striding debutant Timoci Matanavou scored with his touch of the ball at the mecca of sevens last night showing glimpses that a new pace ace was looming on the horizon.

The cousin of 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens star Sireli Bobo, Matanavou came on for Nasoni Roko in the second spell and stretched his long down the tramlines to score in the 42-7 win over South Korea.

"I think he played well," coach Jo Savou said.

"It's always the first game that sends jitters into your spine and I think he came out very well."

Korea stunned the Digicel-sponsored side with superb handling and patience from deep in their own half which allowed Yang Young-Hun to score.

However, Fiji found their feet and scored six tries through Emosi Vucago, William Ryder, Setafano Cakau, Nasoni Roko, Matanavou and Lepani Nabuliwaqa.

Skipper Marika Vunibaka and Mosese Volavola led well up front and had a hand in the win as the side chases a title win at Happy Valley since 1999.

"I'm very happy. I thank the Lord for that," Savou said. "We had a slow start and that could have been the heavy ground which was caused by the heavy rain here during the week."