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Fiji win Oceania Rugby U20 Challenger
By Jon Newcombe
Fiji warmed up for the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa later this year (29 June to 19 July) by claiming the Oceania Rugby U20 Challenger title.
Following wins over the U20 sides of Tonga (39-25) and hosts Moane Pasifika (48-19), Fiji rounded off their triumphant campaign with a relatively straightforward 31-17 victory against Samoa at the North Harbour Stadium on Wednesday.
In the first match of the final round of the competition, Tonga snatched victory against Moana Pasifika thanks to Sione Matakaiongo’s last-gasp penalty.
It appeared as though number eight Uikelotu Afeaki’s hat-trick would be in vain, but with seconds remaining, fly-half Matakaiongo kept his nerve to hand the Junior Ikale Tahi their first win of the campaign.
Moana Pasifika had surged into a 17-5 lead but Tonga stuck at it and their resilience was rewarded.
All nine matches were streamed live by RugbyPass TV and you can watch them again in full HERE>>
While Fiji can look forward to mixing it with the best in age-grade international rugby in just under four months, Samoa's victory over Tonga in round two confirmed their place in the second-tier World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024, which will be played at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, on 2-17 July.
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Latest Comments
Noted some excellent defensive steals from the Rebs last week against the Reds, largely J Canham, I think. It’s not a Rolls Royce but they are a real threat with their defensive line out at the beginning matches. What do you make of Canham Nick, WBs squad material?
Go to commentsCoin flip between Ardie and Scott Barrett. Both have their pros and cons, and both would probably be decent. Ardie has way more passion on the field, but that hasn’t always translated into the best decisions. They will both turn 34 at the next World Cup, so both will most likely have their best days a few years behind them. It’s hard to imagine now, but looking at young players coming through Ardie will probably be under the most pressure to retain his place in the team. Beauden Barrett also an outside chance if Razor sees him as the first choice 10.
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