The FIJI Water Flying Fijians surrendered a 17-7 halftime lead to fall 33-17 to Scotland in their third Nations Championship clash this morning.

Fiji led through tries from Tevita Ikanivere, Selestino Ravutaumada and Elia Canakaivata before Scotland mounted a second-half comeback.

Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula says they expected the bench to maintain the first-half momentum, but Scotland took control after the break and deserved the win.

He states that a lapse in concentration and ill-discipline proved costly in their defeat.

“The boys lost concentration in the second half. They gave away a lot of penalties and sometimes we were just casual. But full credit to Scotland as they really played well and they deserved the win.”
Seruvakula admits his side conceded too many penalties, allowing Scotland to build momentum before their bench capitalised in the second half to complete the comeback.

Seruvakula admits his side conceded too many penalties, allowing Scotland to build momentum before their bench capitalised in the second half to complete the comeback.

“We reviewed the game last week against England, but we had a good weekend and we prepared well, it showed in the first half. It was upto the impact bench to up this momentum but unfortunately, they did not and it showed in the last 20 minutes of the game. Scotland, on the other hand, had a good bench. They carried their momentum till the end of the game and that’s why they deserve the win.”

Despite the loss, Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere praised his teammates for their effort, thanking them for their commitment throughout the match.

He says the performance showed plenty of positives and believes the team will take valuable lessons from the defeat.
“We came out here today trying to get the win but I think a lot of people did so much work to be able to come host games in the North. I thank the boys for coming out here with a vast experience but we couldn’t defend the whole 40 minutes. We didn’t control the territory battle and the last 15 minutes just slipped away. But it’s all lessons from here.”

The Flying Fijians will now turn their attention to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where they open their campaign against Spain on the 4th of October in Newcastle, Australia.