Fiji too strong for America

Tokyo - Fiji kept alive their hopes of winning the Pacific Nations Cup rugby tournament when they beat the United States in a comprehensive 35-10 showing in Japan on Wednesday.

The Pacific islanders scored four tries against the Americans' one during the game in Nagoya, central Japan.

The victory takes Fiji to two wins against one defeat for 11 points, trailing leaders Canada by only one point. Canada will play Japan later in the day.

The United States, ranked 17th against Fiji's 14th, opened the scoring in the eighth minute when right centre Adam Siddall kicked a penalty to make it 3-0.

Minutes later, Fiji centre Seremaia Bai's squared the scoreline with the first of his three penalties in a game that also saw him make three conversions.

Scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu touched down near the left post after winning a scrum in the 16th minute for an 8-3 lead, setting up Bai's conversion.

In the 22nd minute, fullback Timoci Nagusa collected the ball near the right corner and scored a converted try, before the United States pulled one back through substitute Andrew Suniula and Siddall's conversion, taking the half-time score to 17-10.

Five minutes into the second half, Fiji No 8 Masi Matadigo won a scrum and took the ball over the line to extend the lead.

Bai's attempted conversion hit the post, but he stretched the score with a penalty in the 52nd minute.

The final try of the game came from a run from the centre life by Matawalu, who passed to substitute Nemia Kenatale in front of the USA posts.

Bai again converted and rounded things off with a penalty, allowing the Fijians to run out the game 35-10 winners.