Fiji Beat Tonga to Open PNC 30-22 ^Featured

Tonga led early in both halves and the lead changed hands four times in the second spell before Ben Volavola, who kicked 15 points, edged Fiji ahead 23-22 with a conversion of Waisea Nyacalevu's 68th-minute try.

Replacement Ravai's late try finally made the game safe for Fiji who matched Tonga's three tries.

The Pacific Nations Cup, which also involves Samoa, Canada and the United States, continues until Aug. 3 with matches in Canada and the United States.

Tonga snatched an early lead Saturday with a try after five minutes to Fetu'u Vainikolo before Fiji took its first points from a Volavola penalty.

A try by Henry Seniloli, converted by Volavola, was answered by a Tonga penalty right on halftime which left Fiji with a 10-8 lead at the interval.

Tonga started the second half strongly and scored a try through Telusa Vaeinu to take a 15-10 lead. Volavola kicked two penalties to reclaim the lead at 16-15 but Tonga went ahead, 22-16, with a try to Tane Takulua.

Nayacalevu's try, converted by Volavola, reclaimed the lead for Fiji which clung to a one point lead until padding the margin with Ravai's late try.

Fiji 30 (Henry Seniloli, Waisea Nayacalevu, Peni Ravai tries; Ben Volavola 3 conversions, 3 penalties)
Tonga 22 (Fetu'u Vainikolo, Telusa Vaeinu, Tane Takulua tries: Vunga Lilo conversion, penalty; Kurt Morath conversion).
Half Time Fiji 10-Tonga 8.