Cardiff Cracker
Sunday, September 16th, 2007 at 17:31pmPool B’s game of Fiji against Canada proved to be quite compelling. For much of the game, Fiji looked the most inventive, while Canada proved more disciplined at the set piece. Despite their wayward lineouts, Fiji went in at half time 15-6 up.
Sarries Boys
As well as supplying Andy Farrell for England, Saracens current and former players in World Cup action included three Fijians. Centre Kameli Ratouvu [left] scored a try in each half of the game. His second was from a blistering run the length of the field, which left Canadians clutching at air in his wake.
Fly Half Nicky Little [left] is a former Saracen, who left the club in 2004. Against Canada, he kicked one penalty and three conversions, while Scrum Half Mosese Rauluni [right] is in the current Sarries squad and has been playing well for the Men In Black.
Canada almost scored a try in the 53rd minute, after a catch and drive manoeuvre in the Fijian half inched towards the line. Unfortunately for the Canucks, it was held up and Fiji turned over the resulting 5m scrum. A few minutes later, Candian Fly Half Ryan Smith [left] managed to do the deed, following another drive by the forwards. Winger James Pritchard converted to take the score to 22-13 to Fiji.
In the 71st minute, Pritchard [right] went over the line but it was judged to have been a double movement, after the TMO had a long look at the angles.
The last few minutes were nailbiting, with penalties, missed drop goals and forward drives, before Ratouvu finally broke free for the Fijian’s bonus-scoring 4th try. Nicky Little converted to leave the final score at 29-16.
