Fiji outclassed by Argentina

Press, 10 November 1980, Page 34

Fiji outclassed by Argentina

NZPA-Reuter Buenos Aires Fiji was outclassed 38-16 by Argentina in the final (match of its tour of Buenos Aires on Saturday. The home side dominated in almost every department, especially the set scrums, and only the Fijians’ traditional speed and evasive skill kept them from being swamped. Fiji was more disciplined than the previous Saturday, when it lost, 22-34, but lacked much of the sparkle and enthusiasm of that first international, and displayed its running prowess only in patches.

Argentina put on a much more decisive performance, after criticism of its play last week.

The hooker, Javier Perez Cobo began the scoring in the second minute when he touched down almost under

the posts. The pace slowed and the teams shared three penalties before the Argentine No. 8, Gabriel Travaglini, scored two tries to give the home team a 21-6 half-time lead. After the interval the wing, Adolfo Capelletti, scored twice in the comer.

lokimi Finau pulled a try back, but the Fijians spent almost all the second half pinned behind their 22m line. The pressure brought a try for the full-back, Daniel Baietti.

Three minutes from time Fiji gained a little consolation when its substitute raced three-quarters the length of the pitch and touched down under the posts.

Hugo Porta kicked four conversions and two penalties, and Lemeki Vuetaka kicked two penalties and one 'conversion for Fiji.