In Málaga, Spain hosted Fiji in a highly anticipated autumn test that promised a clash of contrasting rugby identities: Spain’s organisation, structure and growing confidence — against Fiji’s raw athleticism, flair and explosive power.
Bay E. (20', 51'), Laforga A. (39'), Boronat V. (63')
Tries
Canakaivata E. (23'), Kuruvoli S. (29', 48'), Doge M. (66'), Nasova J. (73')
Lopez Bontempo G. (21', 52')
Conversions
Armstrong-Ravula I. (24', 30', 49', 67', 74')
Lopez Bontempo G. (27', 47', 54')
Penalties
Armstrong-Ravula I. (60', 78')
In Málaga, Spain hosted Fiji in a highly anticipated autumn test that promised a clash of contrasting rugby identities:
Spain’s organisation, structure and growing confidence — against Fiji’s raw athleticism, flair and explosive power.
What followed was a compelling contest where Spain held their own for long stretches and even controlled phases of the match, but Fiji’s class in the key moments ultimately proved decisive.
Spain began the match with composure and clarity.
Their early possession was disciplined, their kicking game smart, and their defensive line speed disrupted Fiji’s attempts to open up the field.
Spain were rewarded with points for their patience — whether through a well-struck penalty or a converted try following sustained pressure close to the Fiji line. Expertly capitalised by a sniping Tani Bay to dive in from close range the breakdown when Fiji switched off.
But Fiji did what Fiji do. Managed to draw the Spanish defence across the pitch then hit a crossfield kick to find Laforga isolated inbetween 2 Fijian monsters. Even for his best efforts, he was not stopping that attack. Canakaivata cantering over to dot down behind the posts.
With the scores level again, we got to witnes another monster kick from Bontempo who clipped the upright from 60 odd metres out to take Spain to 10 - 7.
Fiji once again managed to get physical in contact, causing a couple of missed tackles lead to a mazy breakway with multiple steps and brush offs from Wainiqolo, who went from his own half to the Spain try line then passed it to Kuruvoli to dot down under the sticks. Fiji lead 10 - 14 but Spain firmly in the game but being reminded that Fiji can do what they want when they want.
Spain kept chipping away and made another break through at the death of the first half, a series of pick and goes on the Fiji line, saw the Fiji defence being sucked across. Laforga stayed tight to the touchline and Tani Bay saw him, then when the time was right Bay slung the perfect pass across the line to give Laforga the space to dive over into the corner. Bontempo couldnt add the extras but went in 15 - 14 ahead.
Halftime: Spain competitive and courageous, Fiji still a moment away from brilliance.
Spain came out determined and produced some of their best rugby of the match early in the second half:
Aggressive carries through midfield
Sharp support lines
Quick ball that tested Fiji’s defensive spacing
A well-constructed Spanish try (or penalty) kept them within reach and energised the home crowd.
However, Fiji’s depth and athletic superiority began to tell.
Their bench injected fresh pace, and suddenly the match tilted:
Fiji’s offloading game clicked
Line breaks came more frequently
Spain’s defensive workload mounted
Fatigue began to open gaps
Fiji crossed for three decisive second-half tries as Spain’s defensive structure finally cracked under sustained pressure.
Spain battled to the end, generating phases and threatening in wide channels, but Fiji’s late-game composure and physical dominance sealed the victory.
Played with huge heart and organisation, proving they can compete with top-tier nations for long spells.
Set-piece solid, especially the lineout and maul platforms.
Defence held strong early, forcing Fiji into errors and rushed decisions.
Showed real improvement in ball movement and phase accuracy.
Fell away late due to fatigue, defensive stress, and Fiji’s power off the bench.
A performance full of positives despite the loss.
Slow start, fast finish — once they found rhythm, they became dangerous.
Offloading and support play broke Spain’s defensive shape in the final quarter.
Individual brilliance turned tight moments into try-scoring chances.
Bench impact was a major factor in the final result.
Defence improved as the match progressed.
A professional, if imperfect, performance from a side with world-class talent.
A match that shows their upward trajectory is real.
They stood toe-to-toe with a traditional Tier-1/1.5 nation and looked composed, physical and competitive.
Spain’s takeaways:
They can match the tempo for 40–60 minutes.
They need more depth to survive the final quarter.
Their structure is improving rapidly.
This kind of test accelerates Spain’s growth — exactly what they need ahead of future campaigns.
A win built on patience and firepower.
They were tested early, but their class emerged when needed.
Fiji will be pleased with the response after a challenging first half.
Both scrumhalves - Tani Bay or Kuruvoli - controlled the game and electric for both sides, result could have gone either way but 2 tries each shows their exciting nature in this game.
Spain played brave, structured, impressive rugby and pushed Fiji far harder than many expected.
But Fiji’s explosiveness, depth and late-game ruthlessness were the difference.
A match where:
Spain earned respect.
Fiji earned the win.
