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    Fiji defeat Canada, look forward to Wales showdown


    AFP, CARDIFF
    Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007, Page 20

    Fiji beat Canada 29-16 at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday as they sighted a return to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1987.

    The Pacific islanders moved into second place in Pool B behind Australia, piling the pressure onto Wales who they'll meet in a winner-takes-all clash in Nantes on Sept. 29 with the prize of a last eight place at stake.

    Australia defeated Wales 32-20 on Saturday to virtually wrap up top spot in the group.

    Fiji, who were cruising at 15-6 at the interval, also grabbed a crucial bonus point thanks to a last minute try from full-back Kameli Ratuvou, his second of the match, after Canada had lost the ball pushing for an unlikely victory themselves with the score at 22-16.

    "We are happy with the win and the bonus point," Fiji skipper Moses Raulini said. "Canada made it tough for us. We made too many mistakes in the second half. We lost discipline and composure. We had them by the throat, all we had to do was choke them."

    Morgan Williams, the Canada skipper, said his team were bitterly disappointed.

    "We lost it, they didn't win it," Williams said. "We didn't really play in the first half and then we had to play catch-up. If you lose the ball to them, they make it very hard for you. Now we have to take long look at ourselves and pick it up for the next game [Japan on Sept 25]."

    Canada, who had lost to Wales in their opener despite leading 17-9, needed to win to stay in contention for a last-eight place, a stage they haven't reached since 1991.

    Fiji, for their part, had collected a bonus point in their 35-31 win over Japan.
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