BRISBANE, 16 October 2003 — US flyhalf Mike Hercus pushed a last-second conversion attempt wide of the uprights yesterday to allow Fiji to hang on for a 19-18 victory in the their World Cup Pool B encounter.
Fiji led 19-13 with the end in sight and looked to have the match under control until American flanker Kort Schubert crossed in the corner in the final seconds.
But Hercus could not manage the conversion which would have given the United States only their second win in four World Cups. Fiji ultimately owed their victory to flyhalf Nicky Little who was at his best with the boot, kicking four penalties and a conversion. Wing Riaan van Zyl scored the first American try while lock Apisai Naevo was Fiji’s only tryscorer.
In possibly their finest hour despite the loss, the United States out muscled Fiji in defense, constantly frustrating the flamboyant Fijians and upsetting their natural running game.
They went ahead 13-3 after van Zyl’s try before Little kicked his second penalty and Naevo scored after a great break from wing Marika Vunibakai. Little converted to tie the scores. Two more Little penalties proved just enough to deny the United States a second World Cup win. The Americans beat Japan at the inaugural 1987 tournament.
Fiji left wing, Vilimoni Delasau, playing instead of the suspended Rupeni Caucaunibuca, broke the line with his first touch of the ball. He did the same with his second touch but the US defense stood firm, mainly through backrowers Schubert, Hodges and Dan Lyle who were strong, energetic and athletic.
Fiji’s big forwards, by contrast, were idle in defense, allowing the Americans’ two early Hercus penalties for a 6-0 lead.
Similarly the Fiji lineout was scrappy, giving the United States cheap ball and preventing the Fijians from threatening the line for any extended period.
Italy Grind Down
Scrappy Tonga
In Canberra, peerless kicking by flyhalf Rima Wakarua helped Italy grind out a 36-12 win over an ill-disciplined Tonga side in World Cup Pool D yesterday.
New Zealand-born Wakarua kicked 21 points on his debut from five penalties and three conversions to keep alive Italy’s hopes of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. Italy’s discipline and Tongan errors finally told and the Europeans ran in three tries in the second half.
Italy were never behind, Wakarua kicking three penalties to put his side ahead 9-7 at the interval after Tonga center John Payne crossed for a try in the 34th minute.
Wakarua also set up Italy’s first try, firing a flat pass to send inside center Manuel Dallan over from close range.
The Dallan family grabbed a hat trick as Manuel’s brother, winger Denis Dallan, scored two late tries from broken play to snuff out Tongan hopes.
Tonga must now upset Wales in their next match on Sunday or favorites New Zealand on Oct. 24 to have any hope of advancing in the tournament. Italy were thrashed 70-7 by Pool D heavyweights New Zealand in their opening match but coach John Kirwan made 14 changes for a game he regarded as his side’s most important of the pool stages.
