US views top FRB posts

Flying Fijian outside centre Semi Radradra fends off a Canadian player in the WRPNC on Saturday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva, Photo: Rugby Pass

The United States visitors top the viewership of Fiji Rugby Blog with 25 percent with 5648 views followed by 4848 views from Fiji since the first post was published in May 31, 2007.

The total of 22,518 views from 140 nations has been mostly focused on the 761 posts on the FRB site with several views recorded on the home page/archives on information about FRB labelled ‘Rants, Raves and Incoherent Thoughts’.

McKee praises Matawalu

Nikola Matawalu of Fiji makes a break against Canada at the Twickenham Stoop. Photo: Andrew Fosker/Seconds Left Images

National coach John McKee praised halfback Nikola Matawalu who scored twice and set up another try for Waisea Nayacalevu in the first half  against Canada before limping off before halftime.

“He is recognised as a very classy player and will be an excitement in the tournament (Rugby World Cup),” McKee said during the post-match press conference at the Stoop across the road from Twickenham.

McKee expresses confidence after Canada game

Fiji players form a huddle to pray after the International match between Fiji and Canada at Twickenham Stoop: Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)

National coach John McKee has expressed gratefulness after the 47-18 win against Canada on Sunday (Monday morning Fiji Time) after a month of training in Fiji.

“Certainly we really needed that game today,” McKee said during the post-game conference with the media in England at the Stoop near Twickenham where Fiji plays the opening match against England on September 18.

“We had prepared well for this game,” McKee said.

Fiji thrash Canada in final warm-up

Nemani Nadolo attacks against Canada in Fiji’s last warm up match on Sunday. Photo: Getty Images

Niko Matawalu and Waisea Nayacalevu both finished with two tries each as Fiji thrashed Canada 47-18 in their final warm-up match.

The new Bath scrum-half limped off just before half-time after having scored two impressive tries and set up Nayacalevu for the first of his two scores.

With the return of Nemani Nadolo on the left wing Fiji didn’t squander any goalkicking opportunities as the Crusaders star finished with a 100 percent record from nine attempts.

Fiji claim Pacific Nations Cup 2015 crown

Fiji celebrates 39-29 win against Manu Samoa in PNC final in British Columbia. Photo: World Rugby

Fiji sent out a Rugby World Cup warning to their Pool A rivals England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay after a ruthless display of finishing saw them claim the Pacific Nations Cup 2015 title at the expense of rivals Samoa.

Fiji defeated Samoa 39-29 in a thrilling final at the Swangard Stadium in Burnaby to claim their second Pacific Nations Cup crown and head into RWC 2015 full of confidence

Second-rower Leone Nakawara grabbed two of his side’s five tries with the others coming from influential scrum-half Niko Matawalu, Kini Murimurivalu and Akapusi Qera in a see-saw contest that saw Fiji race into a 17-3 lead before being reeled back in by Samoa. But just as the physical Samoans appeared to have taken control of the contest, Fiji came storming back with three quickfire tries that saw them reclaim the initiative and pull clear.

Fiji face Samoa in final

Manu Samoa launch another attack against Canada at the BMO Field in Toronto. Photo: World Rugby

Samoa and Fiji will meet again in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2015 final after both maintained their unbeaten records with tight victories over hosts Canada and Japan in Toronto on Wednesday.

The Samoans needed a try on the stroke of full-time by Sakaria Taulafo to snatch a 21-20 victory over Canada, the replacement prop catching a loose ball off a ricochet from a lineout to dive over and secure the final place.

Fiji, who had played out a thrilling 30-30 draw with Samoa in round two, had to hang on for a 27-22 victory against Japan, finishing the match with only 13 players as the Brave Blossoms came within inches of completing their comeback with another try.

Japan victors over USA

Ayumu Goromaru booted 17 points for Japan. Photo: Getty Images

Japan continue to dominate the emerging rugby nations after securing a 37-29 victory over the USA in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru put in yet another impressive performance for the Brave Blossoms, kicking 17 points as Japan secured a bonus-point victory.