Sparkling Fiji score four tries to overwhelm Scotland

Sparkling Fiji score four tries to overwhelm Scotland

Brilliant Fiji capitalised on a red card to wing Darcy Graham to beat Scotland 29-14 in Suva on Saturday, their first win over the tourists in eight years.

Fergus Burke of Scotland tackles Kalaveti Ravouvou of Fiji during the rugby test match between Fiji and Scotland
AFP

The Fijians scored four tries and dominated a lively contest in hot conditions, sealing victory with a penalty try late in the match when Graham was shown a second yellow card for deliberate offside.

It was only Fiji's third win over the Scots -- all having been achieved in Suva -- while Scotland have won the other eight Tests between the two, including last November's 57-17 triumph in Edinburgh,

Scotland fielded a starting team featuring 14 changes from the side who opened their tour with a 29-26 defeat of the Maori All Blacks in Whangarei a week ago.

Fiji made just two changes from the team beaten 21-18 by Australia in the dying minutes in Newcastle.

Scotland scored a converted try early in each half but otherwise were forced into defence for long periods against a home side who mixed power and skill to good effect.

The Scots, who trailed 15-7 at half-time, missed 36 tackles and gave away 15 penalties.

They made a bright start, creating a try in the third minute for fullback Kyle Rowe.

Their grip on the game slipped when hooker Ewen Ashman was shown a yellow card for a professional foul and experienced flanker Jamie Ritchie was forced from the field with injury.

Fiji fly-half Caleb Muntz slotted a penalty and his team took command in the period before half-time after Graham had been sent to the sin-bin for an early tackle.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere gave his team the lead through a lineout drive try before winger Kalaveti Ravouvou capitalised on an overlap to cross in the right corner.

Scotland responded after the interval through a try by centre Tom Jordan.

But a brilliant solo try from winger Jiuta Wainiqolo, followed by the penalty try, when Graham raced off his own line too quickly to intercept a pass, took Fiji to victory.

Referee Ben O'Keeffe deemed the wing had prevented a probable Fijian try.

Scotland complete their three-match Pacific tour when they play Samoa in Auckland on Friday.

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