HSBC Junior Waratahs open tour with victory over Nadi
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Monday, 6 October 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
The HSBC Junior Waratahs have started their Development Tour of Fiji in the best possible fashion with victory over Nadi at Prince Charles Park.
Kurtley Beale poses with new Fijian friends.
Kurtley Beale poses with new Fijian friends. [HSBC Junior Waratahs v Nadi at Prince Charles Park]
HSBC Junior Waratahs
HSBC Junior Waratahs
Click here for video highlights of the match.
The tourists scored two tries in each half to record a 31-20 victory over the side recently crowned Fijian national champions.
Ben Mowen captained the side and was one of the Junior Waratahs' best, scoring two tries in a great captain's performance.
Head Coach Chris Hickey was happy with the side's effort after coming together less than two weeks ago for the two-match tour.
"It was a tough game but the guys really put in and played well," said Hickey. "We led 17-8 at half-time and decided to really concentrate on the breakdown in the second half and we managed to score quite a lot of turnover ball.
"We got the score out to 31-8 before Nadi scored two late tries to close up the gap but on the whole it was a pretty good performance."
All 26 players in the touring squad were used in the clash which also saw Kurtley Beale kick two conversions and a penalty in his first match since the Super 14 Final in May.
Ratu Nasiganiyavi played strongly across the park and was rewarded with a try, while Sam Norton-Knight also crossed for the tourists.
"There was a good crowd, a fantastic atmosphere and I think everyone there, players and spectators, really enjoyed the experience," said Hickey.
The Junior Waratahs will remain in Nadi during the week before taking on the Fiji Warriors at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
Click here for video highlights of the match.
HSBC Junior Waratahs 31 (Ben Mowen 2, Ratu Nasiganiyavi, Sam Norton-Knight; Kurtley Beale 2 cons, pen, Daniel Halangahu 2 cons) d Nadi 20 (Isaia Nawaqa, Eseroma Naba, Aloesi Nailiko tries; Sunia Vata con, pen) at Prince Charles Park, Nadi. Half-time: Junior Waratahs 17-8.