REPORT: Fiji, the reigning champions, defeated Samoa 42–16 to start the Pacific Nations Cup.
inside halftime, the visitors led 16–15, so there may have been some nervousness inside Suva’s National Stadium.
Rather, Fiji scored 27 points in a row after D’Angelo Leuila’s kickoff to start the second half on the full was successfully completed by a Samoan rut. Caleb Muntz’s successful kick was followed by a scrum penalty, a ruck penalty, and another penalty.
To make matters worse Temo Mayanavanua, a lock for Fiji, was sin-binned in the 36th minute for a high tackle.
After Samoa’s second penalty goal from Muntz, they never looked like scoring again, and in the final 30 minutes, winger Pisi Leilua missed a Garryowen from Leuila that could have resulted in a try and combative.
The 54th minute was a seismic moment in the match. Meli Derenalagi, a blindside from Fiji, raced ahead in a thrilling 40-meter sprint. Although Frank Lomani towered above him in encouragement, Samoan wing The livewire scrumhalf was denied a chance to pass for a potential try-scoring conversion by Pisi Leilua. It was Leilua who singed. Kitione Salawa powered over on the open side from the subsequent lineout.
Fiji took the lead 25–16 and settled into a rhythm. Epeli Momo, a second-five, dribbled a kick behind the blue wall, which was hacked infield by fellow winger Selesitino Ravutaumada. Lomani pursued the urgent with reasonable recompense.
Fiji was in full swing when Samoan right-wing Tuna Tuitama was sent off for a tip tackle. Their developing conviction was most aptly demonstrated when rookie Vuate Karawalevu missed the mark after another young player, Isiah Ravula-Armstrong, made a fantastic pass in traffic.
Earlier, Samoa got off to a terrible start as they were unable to win the first kickoff and gave up a penalty, which led to a scrum for Fiji. Salawa scored in response to a strong attack led by Elia Canakaivata.
Fiji was attacking hard until Samoan openside Murphy Taramai forced a turnover, which changed the tide of play.
