Taione suffers defeat with Tonga

Former Exeter Chiefs winger Fetu'u Vainikolo was on the scoresheet for Tonga, but he was unable to help his country kick-off their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a victory against Fiji.

Vainikolo (pictured) - who was joined in the Tongan starting line-up by current Chiefs hooker Elvis Taione, scored one of three tries for the Ikale Tahi during the contest in Suva.

Indeed, it wasn't plain sailing for Fiji as the lead changed hands four times - and they had to wait until the 75th minute when a try from replacement prop Peni Ravai sealed the 30-22 win.

Fiji's fly-half Ben Volavola proved the difference between the sides as he contributed 15 points via three conversions and three penalties.

Tonga opened the scoring through a try by their wing Vainikolo in the sixth minute, but Volavola reduced the deficit with a penalty midway through the half before Henry Seniloli scored the hosts' first try.

Tonga's full-back Vunga Lilo replied with a penalty on the stroke of half-time which meant Fiji held a slender 10-8 lead at the interval.

The visitors were back in front when right wing Telusa Veainu scored a converted try, shortly after the restart, but Volavola restored Fiji's lead with two further penalties.

Tonga scrum-half Sonatane Takulua then silenced the home crowd when he went over for his side's third try which replacement fly-half Kurt Morath converted..

Fiji, who included former Exeter Chiefs Academy product Josh Matvesi on their bench, finished stronger and late tries from right wing Waisea Nayacalevu and Ravai secured victory.

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Vereniki Goneva (c), 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Masi Matadigo, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.

Replacements: 16 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Taniela Koroi, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Josh Matavesi, 23 Metuisela Talebula.

Tonga: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Alipate Fatafehi, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Hale T Pole, 5 Tukulua Lokotui, 4 Steve Mafi, 3 Halani Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.

Replacements: 16 Sosefo Sakalia, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Joe Tu'ineau, 20 Viliami Fihaki, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Kurt Morath, 23 Otulea Katoa.

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)