Fiji opened their World Cup account with a comfortable win over Namibia in an exciting game in Rotorua today. The Namibians impressed in the first quarter and showed heart throughout the match but were ultimately outmatched 49-25 by a bigger, faster Fijian back line epitomised by four-try hero Vereniki Goneva.
Promising young Namibian fly-half Theuns Kotze scored the first points of the afternoon with a sweet strike from in his own half with just three minutes of play gone, warning Fiji to stay on their best behaviour in the process. Fiji struck back immediately through their vaunted back line, wing Vereniki Goneva capping off a flowing move in the corner to take the lead. Three field goals by a clinical Kotze ensured Namibia capitalised on early possession and a solid scrum to make the score 12-7 before a seesawing match saw Fiji retake the lead with a sparking illustration of Fijian rugby. Fiji spun the ball wide from inside their own 22, before a raking kick from Waisea Luveniyali eventuated in expansive lock Leone Nakarawa crossing for his second test try. Fiji gathered momentum from this, with another long range break gifting Goneva first his second and then a clinical third before the half was through to close the half with a comfortable 32-15 lead.
Heinz Koll finished a brilliant team try due largely to the endeavour of dangerous wing Conrad Marais as Namibia sparked the game into life in the opening exchanges of the second half. A fierce battle developed with the scores close, before extended Fijian pressure sent the prolific Goneva through the middle of the park for the easiest of his four tries in the match. Namibia however refused to die wondering as a strong maul led to lock Chrysander Botha forcing his way through a weak defensive line. The Africans finished strongly without any product before a sharp finish by left wing Naipolioni Nalaga in the dying minutes brought the game to a close.