All Blacks Dominate Fiji in Historic Showdown in San Diego

In a commanding performance, the New Zealand All Blacks triumphed over Fiji with a decisive score of 47-5 at Snapdragon Stadium on July 20, 2024. This match marked a significant occasion, being the first time these two rugby powerhouses faced off in the United States and the first neutral-site game for both sides. It had been 40 years since the All Blacks last played in San Diego, making the event even more special for fans and players alike.

The All Blacks quickly established dominance against the Fijian squad, heading into the halftime break with a formidable lead of 26-5. Despite their efforts, Fiji was only able to secure one try during the first half, which was executed beautifully by Semi Radradra, who made a kick ahead to Vilimoni Botitu, who crossed the try line with aplomb. However, the New Zealand side’s relentless attack kept the Fijians on the back foot.

Making their first international appearances, debutants George Bell and Billy Proctor made an impact, with Proctor starting the match and scoring a try that contributed to the All Blacks’ commanding lead. This victory extended New Zealand’s unbeaten streak against Fiji to eight consecutive test matches, a testament to their historical prowess on the rugby field.

As the match progressed into the second half, New Zealand continued to assert their dominance, adding 21 points to their tally. Sevu Reece kicked off the scoring in the second period, further solidifying their lead and stifling any hopes of a Fijian comeback. The final whistle blew with the scoreboard displaying a decisive 47-5 in favor of the All Blacks, showcasing their control throughout the match.

The match served as an excellent preparation for the All Blacks, who will soon embark on their Rugby Championship campaign, taking on Argentina and later facing off against the world’s top-ranked team, South Africa. Their focus will now shift toward these competitive matches, having affirmed their strategic depth and talent through the summer tests.

Throughout the game, New Zealand maintained nearly 60 percent possession, outplaying Fiji tactically and physically. Though the Fijians fought valiantly, their challenges manifested primarily in the form of missed opportunities and an inability to break down the All Blacks’ formidable defense after the initial try.

Moments before the halftime mark, a spectacular try from Billy Proctor illustrated New Zealand’s fluidity and creativity in play. After Fiji struggled with a knock-on, the All Blacks capitalized quickly by launching a counter-offensive. The fast-paced nature of the game was only interrupted by injuries, including a concerning shoulder injury for Cortez Ratima in the first half.

The energy in Snapdragon Stadium was palpable as fans experienced the traditional pre-match Cibi from Fiji, followed by the revered Haka performed by the All Blacks. The cultural exchange and sportsmanship displayed prior to kickoff resonated with spectators, highlighting the unity and respect within the sport.

Reflecting on the match, head coach Scott Robertson expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, lauding the contributions of the debutants and their execution under pressure. With several players stepping up—most notably Billy Proctor—the All Blacks demonstrated their readiness for the rigorous challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming season.

Fiji, though disappointed with the final scoreline, can take solace in the excitement generated by their lone try and the performances delivered by players like Radradra and Botitu. They will undoubtedly look to regroup and reassess as they prepare for their subsequent matches.

Amidst the celebration, NFL legend Todd Gurley was spotted enjoying the game, underscoring the crossover appeal of rugby in America. Gurley’s presence showed the growing interest in rugby among athletes from other sports, and how rugby continues to expand its footprint in the USA.

As the summer international tests conclude, the All Blacks will now set their sights on the competitive environment of the Rugby Championship, where they will aim to build on the momentum gained from this successful outing against Fiji. The match’s outcome signifies not only a successful return to San Diego for the All Blacks but also sets the stage for an exciting upcoming season for rugby enthusiasts.