Fiji won their second consecutive Pacific Nations Cup victory on Saturday. After beating Tonga (36-20) last week in Suva, this time they won against Samoa (33-19) thanks to a fiery first quarter of an hour where hooker Tevita Ikanivere scored twice which, added to center Iosefa Masi’s try, gave the Fijians a 17-0 lead.
30-5 at halftime
Samoa, who had won against Japan (24-22) the previous week, spent their time defending, despite a flash from their opener Christian Leali’ifano who crossed the line in the 20th minute, and the Fijians added a another try (Ravutaumada) to lead 30-5 at halftime.
A gap too difficult to fill despite a second half started with a bang and in the rain by the locals, carried by the public of Apia. Tries from Tumua Manu and captain Fritz Lee weren’t enough and the Fijians, who scored just three points in the second half, won 33-19.
At the top of the standings (they are six points ahead of Samoa), they will travel next weekend to Japan for their last match in a competition that serves them above all this year of preparation for the World Cup (September 8 -October 28).
