Fiji opened their Pacific Nations Cup title defence with a 32-10 victory over Tonga in Suva, effectively controlling the match after an early setback.

Tonga stunned the hosts with a scallop-quick try from scrum-half Augustine Pulu in just the second minute. Fiji responded swiftly with a penalty from Caleb Muntz, before Setareki Tamanivalu touched down in the 13th minute.

By halftime, Fiji led 17-10, with Tonga’s continued penalties and turnovers undermining their early momentum. Discipline proved costly: number 8 Siosiua Moala received a second yellow card in the 68th minute, which escalated to a red.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere powered over in the 63rd minute and debutant Taniela Rakuro sealed the outcome with a try in the 68th.

Fiji coach Mick Byrne reflected on the match’s start: “It was a tough one… They started very well. We didn’t get our game going as well as we would have liked and they controlled the tempo. We’ll take some learnings from that.”

Fiji now prepares to face Samoa next Saturday in Rotorua, New Zealand.