Fiji fought back from 15-0 down to beat Tonga 23-18 in the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva on Saturday.

Tonga opened the scoring on the 20-minute mark when scrumhalf Sonatane Takulua kicked a penalty goal. Seven minutes later, wing Pila Iongi crossed for their first try. Takulua added the extras, before crossing for a try just two minutes later.

Fiji struck early in the second half when flyhalf Ben Volavola scored his side’s opening try. Centre Seremaia Baikeinuku added the extras.

The home side continued their fightback as No 8 Nemia Soqeta crossed for their second try. Baikeinuku missed the conversion, but slotted two penalty goals, while Takulua kicked a second penalty for the visitors to level the scores at 18-18.

Replacement flank Eremasi Radrodro then scored Fiji’s third try and while the conversion was missed, they managed to hold on for the win.

Fiji – Tries: Ben Volavola, Nemia Soqeta, Eremasi Radrodro. Conversion: Seremaia Baikeinuku. Penalties: Baikeinuku (2).
Tonga – Tries: Pila Iongi, Tane Takulua. Conversion: Takulua. Penalties: Takulua (2).

Fiji – 15 Samisoni Viriviri, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Seremaia Baikeinuku, 11 Adriu Delai, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Nemia Soqeta, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Naulia Dawai, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Leeroy Atalifo, 2 Sunia Koto (c), 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Subs: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Taniela Koroi, 19 Savenaca Tabakanalagi, 20 Eremasi Radrodro, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Serupepeli Vularika, 23 Benito Masilevu.

Tonga – 15 Tevita Halaifonua, 14 Pila 'Iongi, 13 Nafi Tuitavake, 12 Viliami Hakalo, 11 Taniela Kilioni, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Tane Takulua, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Jack Ram, 6 Nili Latu (c), 5 Uili Kolo'ofai, 4 Dan Faleafa, 3 Sione Faletau, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Eddie 'Aholelei.
Subs: 16 Sione Anga'aelangi, 17 Kama Sakalia, 18 Fusi Malimali, 19 Opeti Fonua, 20 Sione Tau, 21 Wayne Ngaluafe, 22 Apakuki Ma'afu, 23 Kali Hala.

Photo: Fiji