2019 RWC qualification

Tonga gifted a spot at RWC 2019 in Japan

With the combined results of the 2016 and 2017 cups doubling as World Cup qualifiers, Samoa needed to at least draw with the unbeaten Fijians to overhaul Tonga and reach the tournament in Japan in two years time.

Even a bonus point in defeat might have been enough.

They led 16-14 at half time in Apia but had no answers as Fiji over-ran them in the second half.

Fiji, who secured qualification last week when they defeated Tonga 14-10, scored five tries in total, including a hat-trick to scrumhalf Henry Seniloli.

Fiji beats Tonga on home ground to qualify for 2019 RWC

In a tight contest at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Ben Volavola kicked three penalties while Leone Nakarawa got an important try to seal the win for Fiji.

Both sides were locked at 3-all at half-time, according to Fiji Village.

Tonga took the lead early in the second half after Siegfried Fisiihoi crossed over Fiji’s tryline.

It took Fiji only two minutes to respond and Nakarawa scored Fiji’s only try in the 48th minute.

Fiji will be pooled with Australia, Wales and Georgia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

 

Fiji beats Tonga on home ground to qualify for 2019 RWC

In a tight contest at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Ben Volavola kicked three penalties while Leone Nakarawa got an important try to seal the win for Fiji.

Both sides were locked at 3-all at half-time, according to Fiji Village.

Tonga took the lead early in the second half after Siegfried Fisiihoi crossed over Fiji’s tryline.

It took Fiji only two minutes to respond and Nakarawa scored Fiji’s only try in the 48th minute.

Fiji will be pooled with Australia, Wales and Georgia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.