Fiji begin campaign in resounding style

Vereniki Goneva scored four tries as Fiji opened their Rugby World Cup account with a 49-25 win over Namibia in their Pool D clash at Rotorua International Stadium.

Goneva achieved his hat-trick before the interval but it was Namibia who seized the initiative after the break when second row Heinz Koll sold an audacious dummy to sprint in after determined build-up work from Conrad Marais and Piet Van Zyl.

Soon, though, Goneva was again on the scoresheet, profiting from strong running by centre Gaby Lovobalavu to notch his fourth try.

Namibia refused to be overwhelmed by Fiji’s confident running game and the Welwitschias’ full back Chrysander Botha finished strongly to put Namibia within two scores at 39-25.

Fiji, however, showed enough composure to withstand the pressure and a 75th-minute penalty from Fiji kicker Seremaia Bai steadied their nerves before Naipolioni Nalaga crossed for his side's sixth try.

Fly half Bai found his range early to finish with 19 points.

Fiji had gone into the break 32-15 ahead, with second row Leone Nakarawa rewarded for his support play with a try.

Namibia fly half Theuns Kotze did his best to keep Namibia in touch with three drop goals and two penalties, finishing with 15 points.

In fact, the first points of the match came from the boot of Kotze but it wasn't long before Fiji strung some fluid passing together for Goneva to cross.

For Namibia, Danie Dames came close to scoring a try before being clattered into touch by the defence, while Danie van Wyk's effort was ruled out by the Television Match Official.

Fiji won the only previous match between the sides, in the Rugby World Cup 1999.