[SOC] Re: [WDG] U.S.A. Vs Fiji - World Cup Flash!

[Ian C. Purdie]

"Ian C. Purdie" wrote:

> In the Rugby World Cup this evening [LT], U.S.A met Fiji in their first match
> of the international competition at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Fiji scrape past Eagles

15/10/2003

Fiji were fortunate to escape with a 19-18 victory in this Pool B encounter at
Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane after USA Eagles fly half Mike Hercus missed a last
minute conversion.

Flanker Kort Schubert popped up on the overlap to score the try that brought the
Eagles, whose only Rugby World Cup victory came against Japan in 1987, to within
one point of their more fancied opponents.

However Hercus pushed the touchline conversion effort wide of the right upright and
Fiji could breathe a sigh of relief with a first win of the Tournament to keep
alive their quarter final aspirations.

Had Hercus slotted the kick then Fiji would have regretted the decision to go for
touch and not allow fly half Nicky Little to take a penalty that would have given
them a nine point lead with six minutes to go.

The Eagles had led until just before the hour mark when Little�s penalty gave Fiji
a slender 16-13 advantage, the Pacific Islanders having sparked into life only
minutes earlier with a try by Api Naevo.

Fiji had threatened often until that point with wing Vilimoni Delasau, in for the
suspended Rupeni Caucaunibuca, making several scintillating breaks into the Eagles'
half only for the final pass to go astray or the ball to be knocked on.

Everything clicked into place though when Delasau and wing partner Marika Vunibaka
combined to break down the left flank, the latter popping the ball up to hooker
Greg Smith with lock Naevo powering over under the posts.

The Eagles, in their first match of the Tournament, had scored the opening try in
the 44th minute after securing a turnover on the right flank, fly half Mike Hercus�
perfectly weighted cross field kick bouncing kindly for wing Riaan van Zyl.

This score, coming after two first half penalties by Hercus, increased the Eagles�
advantage to 13-6 only for Naevo�s try and two penalties from Little to ultimately
win the match for Fiji.

Little ended the match of the Tournament with 14 points through four penalties and
a conversion, but the Eagles can hold their heads high after a good performance.

Fiji: 19

Tries: Naevo
Conversions: Little
Penalties: Little (4)

USA: 18

Tries: van Zyl, Schubert
Conversions: Hercus
Penalties: Hercus (2)

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/RugbyWorldCup/EN/Tournament/Matches/Match+10/News/kb1510+FIJvUSA+report.htm