Fiji soundly end Samoa’s winning run in PNC opener

23 August 2024 – Defending champions Fiji opened the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 with a resounding 42-16 victory over Manu Samoa at the National Stadium in Suva yesterday.

Samoa led 16-15 at halftime but Fiji scored 27 unanswered points even though Fijian lock Temo Mayanavanua was sinbinned in the 36th minute following a high tackle.

Samoa never regained the lead after Muntz’s second penalty goal and didn’t look like scoring in the last half an hour after winger Pisi Leilua shelled a Garryowen from Leuila that could have resulted in a try and combative flanker Senio Toleafoa bobbled the ball while stretching over the line.

The match took a seismic turn in the 54th minute. Fijian blindside Meli Derenalagi strode clear in an electrifying 40m burst. Frank Lomani loomed in support, but a jersey pull by Samoan winger Pisi Leilua denied the livewire halfback a chance to take a possible try-scoring pass. Leilua was sinbinned. From the following lineout, openside Kitione Salawa powered over.

With a 25-16 lead, Fiji found their groove.  Second-five Epeli Momo dribbled a kick behind the blue wall that fellow winger Selesitino Ravutaumada hacked infield. The urgent Lomani pursued with just reward.

Samoan right-wing Tuna Tuitama was dismissed to the sinbin for a tip tackle at which point Fiji was rampant.

Earlier Samoa made a horror start when they failed to secure the initial kick-off and conceded a penalty gifting Fiji a scrum. Salawa scored supporting a robust charge by Elia Canakaivata.

With Fiji hot on attack, Samoan openside Murphy Taramai won a turnover that triggered a momentum shift.

Samoa enjoyed 63% of territory in the first spell, forcing Fiji to make 89 tackles to 42 as they surged to a 13-5 lead.

Samoa’s solitary try in the 17th minute was a cracker. Halfback Melani Matavao charged up the middle of the ruck, casting aside a hooker and a prop before offloading with his right arm in the air to Pisi Leilua.

D’Angelo Leuila was on target with all four kicks. Second-five Alapati Leiua and loosehead prop Aka Seiuli were full of running.

Lomani was named man of the match. Salawa, who’s played 27 games for Fijian Dura, had a memorable outing and Mutnz was tested with 17 tackles, becoming more assured throughout. Sam Slade topped the Samoan tackle count with a dozen and Taramai was typically tireless.

Fiji: 42 (Kitione Salawa 3, Iosefo Baleiwairiki, Frank Lomani, Vuate Karawalevu; Caleb Muntz 3 con, 2 pen) Samoa: 16 (Pisi Leilua try; D’Angelo Leuila 3 pen con) HT: 15-16