Fiji Tops U.S. 14-5 In Plate Final

The U.S. couldn't make it three Plates in a row as they came up short to Fiji 14-5 in slippy conditions. Rain at Twickenham meant that as the match started both teams had trouble holding onto the ball. Both the U.S. and Fiji had decent spells of possession but were constantly thwarted in making any real impact on the  match by handling errors and simple turnovers. Fiji was the first the break through the deadlock. Shalom Suniula saw his offload squirt away allowing Fiji to pick up the ball and Donaslo Ratubuli Naturaga score. The conversion was good and Fiji went into the halftime break up 7-0.

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The second half saw both teams come out better adjusted to the conditions. Fiji looked to get on the board first but some solid defense from the U.S. held up the Fijian player in the maul. Zach Test then stepped up to deliver a big hit and Brett Thompson halted a Fijian player from scoring with a timely tackle. Still, Fiji kept pressing and soon picked up their second try. The U.S. was penalized for holding onto the ball four minutes into the half and Setefano Cakau took the quick tap, charged forward, and scored.

Up two tries the Fijians allowed the U.S. to have time with the ball. They would use that time to find Carlin Isles out on the wing. Showing his pace Isles zipped around the defense for his second try of the tournament. However, the conversion was crucially missed. The Eagles continued to put pressure on Fiji but their experience showed through and were able to hold off the Eagles the rest of the match for the win.

It's a tough result for the Eagle to take and another match they were capable of winning, but they did gain valuable experience for next season. Stay tuned later today for a full recap of the tournament,

Starters: Edwards, Durutalo, Suniula, Hawkins, Test, Niua, Thompson.

Subs Used: Hawley, Isles, Scully, Taufa