Goneva shines but Fiji have concerns

Wing Vereniki Goneva's four tries were the highlight of a disjointed performance in Fiji's 49-25 victory over Namibia in their RWC Pool D opener at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.

Man mountain Goneva caused plenty of damage on the flank as he became the first Fijian to notch four tries in a RWC match.

"I missed out on the World Cup team last time and it was my dream to make the team for this World Cup. It's my time," the 27-year-old, 99kg wing said.

"There are a lot of people back home supporting us today. They'll all be happy, especially my mother and father. My mum is my biggest fan."

Whether coach Samu Domoni will be happy with his side's play in the second half is another story.

Namibia held a shock 12-7 lead after 15 minutes through the boot of fly half Theuns Kotze before the Fijians clicked into gear, with Goneva running like a freight train.

Fiji took a 32-15 lead into half-time but will be concerned about conceding two tries in the second half.

Punched holes in defence

Namibia inside centre Piet Van Zyl continually punched holes in the Fiji defence as the error rate from both teams went through the roof.

The Africans gave Fiji a fright when they narrowed the deficit to 32-20 early in the second half, but Namibia captain Jacques Burger said mistakes killed their chances.

"We can take a lot of positives out of this match and cut out the negatives," Burger said.

"We lacked a bit of belief in the beginning, but in the second half we kept the ball in hand more. But we made too many mistakes, and a good side like Fiji will punish you."

Fiji captain Deacon Manu said his players had a "huge mountain to climb" against world champions South Africa in Wellington next Saturday.

"We need to make sure we lift in terms of the intensity we bring to training and to the field, because it's going to be tough and they'll have a lot of supporters in Wellington," he said.

"We have to make sure the guys keep expressing themselves on the field and play the rugby that we want to play. If that's the free-flowing rugby we're accustomed to, then so be it."