Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere taking on the Spanish. Photo: FRU Media
The Flying Fijians survived a close scare early on Sunday morning, coming from behind a couple of times to beat Spain 41-33 in their third and final tour match.
Having lost two earlier matches to England and France, the Fijians needed a win to end their three-match Europe tour.
They managed to do that against a fired up Spanish side, who took the islanders right down to the wire.
Skipper Tevita Ikanivere said they would take the win but was disappointed at how they performed.
"Very tough game," he said.
"Spain were very good tonight.
"We could have done better but proud of the boys out there."
Spain were good upfront, especially with their mauls, he said.
"Their rolling mauls were good.
"Their defensive mauls were good too."
The Fijians, ranked eighth in the world, struggled to match their hosts, who turned up the pressure from the opening minutes.
Fijian halfback Simione Kuruvoli on his way to scoring a try against Spain. Photo: FRU Media
Fiji gave away several early opportunities through basic errors early at the Estadio de Atletismo Ciudad de Málaga.
Spain capitalised in the 20th minute, with halfback Estanislao Bay scoring first and the conversion gave them a 7-0 lead.
Fiji responded with a pinpoint cross-kick from fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula finding Elia Cakanakaivata, with the conversion levelling terms.
But Spain led 15-14 at halftime, with a penalty conversion plus a well-worked try, despite Fiji scoring through halfback Simione Kuruvoli.
The Fijian try came after winger Juita Wainiqolo sliced through Spain's defence before offloading to halfback Kuruvoli, who dotted down.
Kuruvoli grabbed is second try after the resumption of the second half, for Fiji to lead 21-15 but Spain hit back again with Bay claiming his second try in the match, giving his side the lead again.
An exchange of penalty kicks and a try saw Spain lead 33-24 in the 63rd minute.
Replacement forward Atunaisa Sokowale responded almost immediately for Fiji, powering over to bring the score back to 33-31, with eight minutes left.
Another expertly placed cross-kick from Armstrong-Ravula found winger Joji Nasova, who scored to reclaim the lead at 38-33.
Armstrong-Ravula then added another excellent penalty, stretching Fiji's advantage to 41-33.
