Fiji battle past Namibia with stunning 49-25 win: Rugby World Cup
Fiji has clinched the first victory of the Rugby World Cup 2011 in its campaign opening clash against Namibia by 49-25 in Rotorua International Stadium on September 10. Vereniki Goneva delivered a Man of the Match performance for Fiji with four tries and
sealed a splendid victory for his side.
Fiji went into the field with a few new faces in its back line which was a gamble for them but luckily Namibia was unable to discover the loop holes in the Pacific Nation sides lines and the Fijian formed a very strong looking combination on the forward
lines. Meanwhile, Namibia was not at ease with its starting line up and decided to go with seven changes in their team since their last match against Georgia played in June.
Fiji ended the first-half with a convincing score of 32-15 with the help of four speedy tries. Vereniki Goneva had a wonderful day out in the field as he grabbed the firs hat-trick of the tournament within 40 minutes play. Seremaia Bai helped his side with
his boots as he kicked three conversions and two penalty goals before the break.
On the other hand, Kotze tried his best to compete with the Fijians with his well directed kicks. He earned 15 individual points for his team alone with the help of three penalties and two goals before the interval.
Namibia took an early lead over Fiji as Kotze scored a three pointer for his team just in the second minute of the match. Vereniki Goneva paid back Namibia in a great fashion as he scored his first try of the match a couple of minutes later against the Namibian
line.
A flood gate of points was opened for Fiji after their inaugural try and the Namibian defence looked quite ordinary until the end of the game. Fiji remained consistent with its performance and kept on scoring in the game after short intervals. Fiji was way
ahead of Namibia after the end of first-half with 32-15 on scorecard.
Goneva celebrated his fourth try of the match after the interval and Seremaia Bai again responded to his call on the conversion shot. Chrysander Botha scored the first Namibian try in the 56th minute of the match. Naipolioni Nalaga put the last
nail in Namibia's coffin with an impressive try and sealed the victory for Fiji with 49-25.
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