THE Flying Fijians ended their two-match losing streak to Tonga with a 29-17 bonus point win in the final match of the 2012 Pacific Nations Cup at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
The Inoke Male-coached side put on a solid second half performance in the come-from-behind victory against the Friendly Islanders.
Down 14-7 three minutes into the second half, the Fiji side clawed its way back with stellar performance from broken play.
A tactical change in the backline with Kelemedi Bola featuring at halfback and Nikola Matawalu moving to the centre sparked the Flying Fijians into action.
Male said they failed to utilise their backline in the first half.
He said they had many utility players in the team.
"We changed our backline looking for more options," Male said.
"There are utility players who can play in different roles. Nikola has a lot of speed and agility, that's why we shifted him to centre. In the first half we did not use the backline much. We dominated from broken play. But the individual decision-making was lacking a bit. It was the decision to kick or to recycle."
Fiji scored the opening try in the 18th minute after a turnover by Tonga on attack.
Simeli Koniferedi pounced on the loose ball and raced 70 metres before off-loading to Metuisela Talebula who dived under the cross bar. Ralulu converted.
Tonga flyhalf Kurt Morath later landed three successful penalties in the 22nd, 29th and 33rd minute to edge the visitors in front 9-7 at half-time. Tongan captain Taniela Moa set up winger Alaska Taufa for a try in the corner in the 43rd minute.
Hooker Jerry Naureure forced his way over for Fiji's second try. Ralulu converted from the side- line to draw level. Tonga went ahead in the 62nd minute when Morath landed his fourth penalty.
Talebula showed his pace in the 64th minute when he grabbed the ball after a turnover from Taufa. The fullback out paced the Tonga defenders running almost 50 metres to dot down Fiji's third try. Replacement Malakai Mocetadra scored the bonus point try in the 70th minute. Talebula converted from the sideline and sealed Fiji's victory with a penalty in the 77th minute.