Fiji blows away Indies

Fiji Times - Sunday, February 10, 2008 11:47 AM

NADI’S Isei Lewaqai got a hat trick of tries as Fiji dumped West Indies 66-7 in its second pool match at San Diego today.

The win assured Fiji a place in the quarter-finals tomorrow.

Young Tomasi Mawi and Ratu Akuila Nawarecagi got a brace of tries while Taniela Rawaqa, Malakai Bakaniceva, Vilame Maya and Iliesa Ratuva added one each.

It was a better display by the Josateki Savou coached side and the players showed a good form even though the defence of West Indies left a lot to desire for.

Fiji ran at free will and the support play was there but at times there was lack of understanding between the players.

With pace man Malakai Bakaniceva on the wing, the players failed to create gaps for the Tailevu man.

Bakaniceva had shown with his try what he is made of and could be the money man for Fiji if he is given the space and time.

There were also times when the players went too high in tackles and bounced off, which could be a cause for concern for Savou as bigger teams would make the side pay for that.

When the side flowed the ball, it looked good and it showed the natural Fijian game was to run and pass the ball and not get involve up front and try to go through the middle.

Fiji will play Samoa at 2.46pm.