CRUSADERS WING NEMANI Nadolo scored 15 points as Fiji claimed a 25-14 Test victory over Italy in Suva.
The freakishly powerful 6ft 5ins, 125kg wide man is more renowned for his running game than his place-kicking, but he slotted two conversions and two penalties as Fiji beat the side ranked three places below them in the IRB’s official list.
Nadolo was among the try scorers too, crossing in the first half to reduce Italy’s lead after they had been awarded a 10th-minute scrum penalty try, which Luciano Orquera converted.
Having held that 7-5 advantage until the interval, the Italians conceded a second try when Dominiko Waqaniburotu dotted down. Nadolo, having assumed kicking responsibilities after Jonetani Ralulu missed twice off the tee, was on target with the conversion.
Nadolo struck two penalties to stretch the Fijian lead, before a second penalty try for Italy brought the game back to 18-14. However, Clermont wing Napolioni Nalaga’s late try killed the Italian challenge, with Nadolo converting to seal the victory.
Fiji face Tonga in the the Pacific Nations Cup next Saturday, while Italy move on to Samoa for the second Test of their June tour.
