Result: Fiji 49-25 Namibia

Fiji got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a convincing 42–25 victory over Namibia.

In a fast and open first half, Fiji dominated the scoring with a hat-trick of tries from winger Vereniki Goneva, a try from lock Leone Nakarawa and a series of successful conversions and penalties from centre Seremaia Bai.

Namibia’s points were all scored by fly-half Theuns Kotze, with two penalties and a hat-trick of drop goals, making the scores 32-15 to Fiji going into the break.

The Africans came out fighting in the second half, with a breakaway play resulting in a try from lock Heinz Koll, but Kotze couldn’t convert.

Fiji answered with a fourth try from Goneva, which Bai once again comfortably converted.

Namibia got their second unconverted try of the game from fullback Chrysander Botha but could not make any ground after Fiji added a further penalty from Bai and a converted try from winger Napolioni Nalaga to seal the final score at 49-25.

Fiji will go on to face South Africa on Saturday, September 17.