Beaten 45-21 by Tonga in June, the Flying Fijians turned the tables, winning 27-12 in a Punjas Series match at Churchill Park in Lautoka, the same venue for the year's earlier defeat.

Fiji scored all its three tries in the first half to lead 21-5 at the break. The try-scorers were Vereniki Goneva, Rupeni Nasiga and Kini Murimurivalu, all converted by veteran centre Seremaia Baïkeinuku of Clermont Auvergne. Tonga's try in the half was scored by fullback Viliami Iongi.

In the second half Bai kicked two penalty goals while Iongi go a second try for Tonga, this time converted by flyhalf Samisoni Fisilau.

Goneva scored first after just three minutes when he chased a long kick by Kini Murimurivalu and then Iongi's try made it 7-5. Racing-Métro's centre sensation, 26-year-old Albert Vulivuli, broke for lock Nasiga's try and then Murimurivalu scored a great individual try.

Afterwards, Fiji captain Deacon Manu said: "The preparation for this game and the World Cup in general has been pretty intense and I can say this win is merely because of that. "We were focused on a lot of things to improve on in this game, especially our scrum and defence and I am pretty happy with it."

In the World Cup Fiji open with Namibia while Tonga face the All Blacks in the opening match.

Scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries: Goneva, Nasiga, Murimurivalu
Cons: Bai 3
Pens: Bai 2

For Tonga:
Tries: Iongi 2
Cons: Fisilau

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Seremaia Bai (vice-captain), 11 Adriu Delai, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Vitori Buatava, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Rupeni Nasiga, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Maafu,
Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Waisea Daveta, 18 Jovilisi Domolailai, 19 Masi Matadigo, 20 Waisale Vatuvoka, 21 Ravai Fatiaki, 22 Iliesa Keresoni

Tonga: 15 Viliame Iongi, 14 William Helu, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Samisoni Fisilau, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Sione Vaiomo'unga, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Tukulua Lokotui, 3 Halani Aulika, 2 Aleki Lutui (captain), 1 Alisona Taumalolo
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Tonga Lea'aetoa, 18 Sione Timani, 19 Samiu Vahafolau, 20 Tomasi Palu, 21 Siale Piutau, 22 Vungakoto Lilo

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)