Fiji secured a place at the 2019 World Cup after clinching a 14-10 comeback win over Tonga to claim the Pacific Nations Cup title for the second successive year.
Tonga had led 10-3 early in the second half, but Fiji battled back with a try to lock Leone Nakarawa, while two late penalties to star flyhalf Ben Volavola sealed victory in the Tongan capital.
Fiji will now join Australia, Wales, Georgia and a qualifier from the Americas in Pool D for the next World Cup.
For Tonga, they remain in competition with Samoa for the Oceania No 2 qualifying position that would send them into a pool currently comprising England, Argentina and France.
Tonga – 15 Atieli Pakalani, 14 David Halaifonua, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Tevita Taufui, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Tane Takulua, 8 Valentino Mapapalangi, 7 Jack Ram, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Leva Fifita, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi.
Subs: 16 Suliasi Taufalele, 17 Latu Talakai, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Sione Tau, 20 Michael Faleafa, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Kali Hala, 23 Kiti Taimani.
Fiji – 15 Timoci Nagusa, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Serupepeli Vularika, 8 Nemani Naqusa, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Subs: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Vereniki Goneva, 23 Benito Masilevu.
Photo: Fiji Sun
