France easily beats Fiji

Press, 18 June 1979, Page 30

France easily beats Fiji

NZPA Suva France comfortably beat Fiji 13-4 in the first rugby test between the two countries in Suva on Saturday. French full-back, Jean Michel Aguirre, kicked two penalties in the first half, followed by a try by winger, Frederick Costes, and a penalty by first five-eighth, Alain Caussade, in the second spell.

Fiji’s only points, was an unconverted try by prop, Peceli Kina, in the first half. The Frenchmen weathered the heat well on a day of blazing sunshine and could have had more points on the board with a little more determination.

Fiji bustled the French towards the end of the first half and were dangerous in the early stages of the second.

But Fiji left too many gaps in defence, gave away too many penalties and failed to press home their attacks when dropped passes and knock-ons spoiled their movements.

The Fijians infused with new blood after defeats by the New Zealand Maoris and England already this season, got off to a shaky start by giving away a penalty in the first minute.

Aguirre made no mistake with the kick from midway between Fiji’s 22m line and half-way. Aguirre struck again with

another penalty in the fifteenth minute to make thq score 6-0 to France.

Fiji prop, Nimilote Ratudina, missed a kickabla penalty. But Fiji began tq chase the French hard and were rewarded with a mag, nificent try as Peceli Kina forced his way over after a flashing movement set up by half-back, Samisoni Viriviri, and flanker, Vuata Naresia. Fiji pressed with darting runs and flashes of theij characteristic free-passing game as the second half began. The French, however, managed to keep their line intact and Fiji missed ths last chance to go ahead when a long-range penalty in front of the posts went astray.

French winger, Costes, made it 10-4 with a copy, book try 15 minutes into the half as he came in as extra man to round off a pas. sing attack. The kick missed, but plaj began to deteriorate frorr this point. First five-eighth, Alain Caussade, put France furthei ahead with a long penalty tq make the score 13-4 and ef fective Fiji hopes ended. For France tall lock; Francis Haget, was com. manding in the lineout; Alain Caussade gave little away at first five-eighth and captain, Jean Pierri Rives, was dangerous on the flank.