Fiji lose to Uruguay 27-30 in huge upset at the Rugby World Cup

Fiji lose to Uruguay 27-30 in huge upset at the Rugby World Cup

By Semi Turaga
Thursday 26/09/2019

Handling errors, poor defence, and poor goal-kicking resulted in an embarrassing defeat for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians as they were upset 30‑27 by Uruguay in their second pool match of the Rugby World Cup.

This is now one of the biggest upsets in Rugby World Cup history as Uruguay is ranked 19th in the world while Fiji is ranked 10th.

Uruguay scored three tries and converted three penalties compared to Fiji's five tries and one conversion.

Crucial try conversions which would have given Fiji the win were missed by kickers Josh Matavesi and Ben Volavola.

Uruguay won eight turnovers in the first half, twice as many as Fiji.

Fiji scored the first try in the match through hooker Mesulame Dolokoto.

This was followed by another try by Eroni Mawi which was Fiji's only converted try.

Fiji's third try was scored by Api Ratuniyarawa.

There were also two tries scored by replacement halfback Nikola Matawalu late in the second half but it wasn't enough for the win.

Fiji had 59 percent possession in the match.

Coach John McKee says Uruguay capitalized on Fiji’s mistakes.

The Flying Fijians meet Georgia next Thursday at 5.15 pm.

PLAY BY PLAY

Fiji

Score:
27-30

Uruguay

  TIME  
Mesulame Dolokoto scores off of a faked maul at the opposition 5m line. Conversion misses. '7  
  '14 Santiago Arata gets one back for Uruguay and the conversion is good. Uruguay take the lead.
Eroni Mawi practically dives over a maul at the opposition line and scores another Fiji! Conversion is good. Fiji retake the lead. '18  
  '21 Uruguay again able to find their way through the Fiji defense. Conversion is good and Uruguay take the lead yet again.
  '26 Juan Manuel Cat runs down the wing to score yet another try for Uruguay, Conversion is good.
  '37 Uruguay get a penalty and opt to kick. Penalty is successful.
HALFTIME 12-24
  TIME  
Api Ratuniyarawa starts things off on a good note for the Fiji team and powers through the defensive line. Conversion by Josh Matavesi misses from right in front of the posts. '48  
  '59 After 15 phases of play, Uruguay force the penalty from Fiji and get themselves a penalty. Convert and extend their lead by 10 points.
Nikola Matawalu does a little dance at the defensive one metre at the ruck and dots down another to bring Fiji within 5. Kicking responsibilities move to Volavola who was substituted in. Barely misses. '66  
  '75 Uruguay get a penalty conversion which puts them up by 8. Fiji need a converted try and more to win.
Nikola Matawalu scores one last try for Fiji as a consolation. Conversion misses. '80  
FULLTIME
FEATURE NEWS
Cabinet may take constitution amendment issue to Supreme Court as early as next week – Turaga
The Coalition Government will now regroup and take the 2013 Constitution amendment issue to the Supreme Court. Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga ...
9 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Flash flood alert in force for Eastern Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
A flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of the Eastern half of Viti Levu including Sigatoka through Suva, ...
9 hours ago

Audit Bill to modernise and give financial independence to Auditor General passed
The Audit Bill has been unanimously passed in Parliament today which gives the Office of Auditor General financial independence, protects the Auditor ...
9 hours ago

Kishore Kumar trial for unauthorised access to a computer system adjourned to 24th March
Kishore Kumar has had his trial adjourned to 24th March for unauthorized access to a computer system. Kumar appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria ...
10 hours ago

Businessman charged with 67 counts of obtaining financial advantage
Raman Rajeshwar Prasad, who is charged with 67 counts of obtaining financial advantage and one count of possession of property suspected of being ...
10 hours ago

2 people charged with allegedly obtaining financial advantage by deception in Tavua
Two people have been charged with allegedly obtaining financial advantage by deception in Tavua. Police say the first case investigated by the ...
12 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
14 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
15 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
15 days ago

TOP