Fiji beat Scotland 29-14 as Graham sees red in Suva

Fiji 29-14 Scotland, Suva

Scotland’s summer tour took a major blow as they suffered a 29-14 defeat to Fiji at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.

In a match that promised attacking flair, it was Fiji’s superior discipline, physical dominance, and tactical control that proved decisive. Scotland’s early momentum unravelled, particularly after winger Darcy Graham was shown a red card midway through the second half following two yellow-card offences.

Scotland began brightly, striking in the 3rd minute through Kyle Rowe, who finished off a well-orchestrated lineout maul. Fergus Burke, making his debut at fly-half, added the extras for a 7-0 lead. But that early promise quickly faded.

Hooker Ewan Ashman was sin-binned in the 9th minute for a cynical infringement at the breakdown. Though Scotland held firm while a man down, their rhythm was disrupted. Fiji seized control of territory, with Caleb Muntz slotting a penalty in the 20th minute to make it 7-3.

The turning point of the half came in the 33rd minute, when Darcy Graham was sent to the sin bin for a reckless late tackle. Fiji pounced immediately. A driving maul near the Scottish line allowed hooker Tevita Ikanivere to crash over. Muntz converted for a 10-7 lead.

Just before halftime, Fiji’s backline produced a flowing attack that ended with Kalaveti Ravouvou racing in on the left flank. Muntz missed the conversion, but the hosts took a 15-7 lead into the break.

Scotland opened the second half with intent. In the 44th minute, centre Tom Jordan sliced through the Fiji midfield after a quick tap-and-go to score under the posts. Burke converted, narrowing the margin to 15-14 and breathing life back into the contest.

But Fiji’s reply was swift and ruthless. In the 59th minute, a brilliant break by Jiuta Wainiqolo down the right edge saw him finish in the corner after brushing off three defenders. Muntz added the conversion to stretch the lead to 22-14.

Moments later came the hammer blow. Graham, returning from his earlier sin bin, was caught offside attempting a desperate intercept. The referee issued a second yellow card—automatically upgraded to a red—and awarded a penalty try after judging the infringement had stopped a near-certain score. That took Fiji to 29-14, effectively ending the contest with 14 minutes left.

The defeat will sting for Scotland, who entered the match looking to build on recent momentum. Instead, they leave Suva with bruised pride, a red card to one of their most experienced backs, and mounting injury concerns. Matt Fagerson and Jamie Ritchie both went off with knocks, and the squad now faces a quick turnaround before facing Samoa.

Fiji, meanwhile, were tactically disciplined and physically dominant. Their forwards set the tone, while their backs delivered cutting edge when it mattered. They capitalised ruthlessly on Scottish indiscipline, scored four tries, and defended well during critical moments.

Fiji: Rayasi, Ravouvou, Maqala, Tuisova, Wainiqolo; Muntz, Kuruvoli; Mawi, Ikanivere (c), Doge, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Tagitagivalu, Canakaivata, Mata.

Reserves: Matavesi, Hetet, Tawake, Vocevoce, Tuisue, Wye, Armstrong-Ravula, Botitu.

Scotland: Rowe, Graham, Redpath, Jordan, Steyn; Burke, Dobie; Sutherland, Ashman, Millar Mills, Sykes, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Darge (c), M Fagerson.

Reserves: Turner, Hepburn, Hurd, Williamson, Bayliss, Horne, Hastings, Smith.