ILAI Tinai ignited the Digicel Fiji Sevens team to a firing start at the Hong Kong 7s tournament beating the hosts 36-0 in the opening pool clash last night.
Tinai, who filled in for the injured Joji Ragamate in the playmaker's position, orchestrated play beautifully to set up the tries in the opening spell which saw Fiji race to a comfortable 26-0 lead at the breather.
The Wardens player scored the opening try in the match followed by a double from sprinter Samisoni Viriviri to lead 19-0.
Returning Osea Kolinisau was sinbinned for a high tackle but Fiji maintained composure and even with a man down scored another try through Tinai to lead 0 at the break.
Coach Alifereti Dere and stand-in trainer Tomasi Cama took turns to psych the players up at the break.
The Nemani Nagusa-skippered side made a slow start in the second half but replacement winger Benito Eremasi added life back into the team's performance with two tries to seal the 36-0 win.
Nadroga man Sakuisa Gavidi made his debut in the starting line-up while other newcomers Donasio Ratubuli and Emosi Mulevoro came off the bench.
Dere was impressed with the win and thanked Cama and Waisale Serevi for the boost they provided in the build-up.
"The plan was to minimise the rucks and the boys did fairly well in that area," he said.
Today, Fiji play Spain in its second pool match at 2.06pm and will face Canada at 10.54pm.