Written by LIVE, courtesy of rugby.com.au Source article
Fiji have started the Pacific Nations Cup perfectly with a 42-16 win over Samoa.
Flanker Kitione Salawa scored a hat-trick as they started the competition on a high note.
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However, they didn’t have it all their own way after Samoa stunned them early for a 16-15 lead at the break.
Ultimately, Fiji capitalised on a pair of yellow cards to race away with the win.
They scored 30 unanswered points to deliver a comprehensive victory in front of their home fans.
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79′: FIJI TRY: Salawa completes his hat-trick to complete a dominant second half Fiji 42-16
73′: FIJI TRY: Vuate Karawalevu dives over in the corner to seal the win and a special debut Fiji 37-16
64′: SAMOA YELLOW CARD: All unravelling for Samoa as an unnecessary tip tackle from Tuna Tuitama sees the winger yellow carded
60′: FIJI TRY: Epeli Momo puts the ball on the foot and Lomani wins the race to touch it down Fiji 32-16
55′: FIJI TRY: Lovely move as FIji’s rolling maul peels off and Salawa gets his second Fiji 25-16
54′: SAMOA YELLOW CARD: Massive turning point as Fiji turn defence into attack as Meli Derenalagi makes a break, with Pisi Leilua pulling back Selesitino Ravutaumada and as a result is sent for ten
52′: Samoa turns down points and continues to hunt for a crucial five-pointer, only to loose the ball over the line
46′: Frank Lomani nearly comes up with a try after a chip and chase as the ball goes dead
44′: FIJI PENALTY GOAL: Muntz adds another three as the hosts control the clock with a man in the bin Fiji 18-16
HALFTIME: SAMOA 16 – 15 FIJI
40′: FIJI PENALTY GOAL: Caleb Muntz hits straight back on the half-time break Samoa 16-15
36′: SAMOA PENALTY GOAL: Leuila nails another penalty from the resulting yellow card Samoa 16-12
35′: FIJI YELLOW CARD: Temo Mayanavanua is yellow carded after the TMO spots a high tackle in the build-up to Samoa’s mistake
35′: Samoa build their attack for over a dozen phases before a knock on lets Fiji off the hook
29′: FIJI TRY: Iosefo Baleiwairiki (Masi) starts and finishes the play after breaking the line before backing up phases later for the try Samoa 13-12
26′: SAMOA PENALTY GOAL: Leuila launches a long range penalty and nails it for the visitors Samoa 13-5
19′: Samoa continues to apply pressure as a lovely kick forces a goal line dropout
16′: SAMOA TRY: Melani Matavao catches Fiji napping around the ruck as he breaks three tackles before offloading for Alapati Leiua to dive over Samoa 10-5
12′: SAMOA PENALTY GOAL: D’Angelo Leuila adds first points of the night for Samoa after the hosts are pinged for a high shot Fiji 5-3
10′: Theo McFarland almost produces some magic as he collects the kick pass but just touches the sideline
8′: Fiji dominating the opening minutes but Samoa come up with the pilfer
4′: FIJI TRY Kitione Salawa barges over for the opener from close after a Samoan mistake Fiji 5-0
2′: Positive start for Fiji as they get inside Samoa’s 22 but Samoa nab the lineout
FIJI v SAMOA TEAMS
Fiji (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Epeli Momo, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Baleiwairiki, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu.
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Moses Sorovi, Isiah Ravula, Apisalome Vota.
Samoa (1-15): Aka Seiuli, Andrew Tuala, Marco Fepulea’i, Ben Nee-Nee, Sam Slade, Theo McFarland (captain), Murphy Taramai, Olajuwon Noa, Melani Matavao, D’Angelo Leuila, Pisi Leilua, Alapati Leiua, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tuna Tuitama, Tomasi Alosio.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Brook Toomalatai, Senio Toleafoa, Jonah Mau’u, Danny Tusitala, Afa Moleli, Stacey Ili.
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
HOW TO WATCH FIJI v SAMOA
The Fiji v Samoa match is live on RugbyPass TV or on Digicel if you’re in the Pacific Islands.
If you do not already have a RugbyPass TV account, you can sign up for free here .
