Former Wallaby Israel Folau’s return to international rugby was interrupted by an injury on Saturday as his Tonga team fell to a 36-0 defeat to Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup match to Suva.
In an unforgettable debut almost four years after playing his last test for Australia, Folau only had two ineffective touches before limping out in the 27th minute.
The 33-year-old injured his leg in a collision while chasing a kick and it is unclear whether he will be fit for Tonga’s remaining matches in the four-nation tournament.
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Folau played 73 tries for the Wallabies before being sacked by Rugby Australia for posting a homophobic post on social media and his only rugby since arriving at the Japanese club’s match this year.
Born to Tongan parents, he was eligible for the selection of tests in accordance with the new regulations of World Rugby, which allow an international change after three years of inactivity.
Israel Folau could not help Tonga.Source: Getty Images
Two former All Blacks full-backs, Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa, also made their debuts in Tonga, but were unable to stop a Fiji team that dominated the lead and scored five tries, including three for professionals based in France.
Lock Tevita Ratuva, winger Jiuta Wainiqolo and center Kalaveti Ravouvou crossed in the first 25 minutes to give the locals a 22-0 lead at the break.
Wingers Setariki Tuicuvu and Vinaya Habosi completed the score, consolidating Fiji’s favoritism to win the tournament for the sixth time in 15 editions.
In the previous match, winger Nigel Ah Wong crossed for his second last-minute attempt to lift Samoa to a spectacular 31-26 victory over Australia A, after catching an interception by Lalakai Foketi, one of five players with the Wallabies selection in the match. beaten side.
Samoa led 19-7 at the break, but Australia A’s fight began through an attempt by captain Ryan Lonergan, before Fraser McReight got his second and James Tuttle finished a wide attack to equalize 26 -26.
Samoa’s other attempts were for Seilala Lam, D’Angelo Leuila and Jonathan Taumateine.
The remaining two rounds will be played over successive weekends in Lautoka.