BREAKING: Fiji ends Samoa’s winning streak in Suva with a significant statement
The Pacific Nations Cup began with a commanding 42-16 victory for reigning champions Fiji over Samoa. 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 exacerbate already existing harm After a high tackle in the 36th minute, Temo Mayanavanua, a lock for Fiji, was sin-binned. After Muntz’s second penalty goal, Samoa never looked like scoring again, and in the final 30 minutes, winger Pisi Leilua shelled a Leuila Garryowen that could have led to a try, and tenacious flank Senio Toleafoa bumbled the ball when stretching over the line.
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.
Samoa had a disastrous start earlier in the match as they gave up the first kickoff and gave up a penalty, which led to a scrum for Fiji. Salawa scored in support of Elia Canakaivata’s strong attack. Fiji was pressing hard, but Murphy Taramai, a Samoan openside, forced a turnover and changed the tide of play. In the opening session, Samoa dominated territory (63%), forcing Fiji to make 89 tackles to 42 as they raced to a 13-5 lead. Samoa scored a brilliant single try in the seventeenth minute. With his right arm up in the air, scrumhalf Melani Matavao offloaded to Pisi Leilua as he rushed up the middle of the ruck, flinging away a hooker and a prop.
All four of D’Angelo Leuila’s kicks were on target. Alapati Leiua, the number five, and loosehead prop Aka Seiuli were running a lot. The 28th minute saw Samoan fullback Tomasi Alosai knock down an errant kick by Muntz just outside his 22. Iosefo Baleiwairiki, the center, outran four men from a steady scrum and was thrown just shy of the strip. Baleiwairiki got back up fast and wasn’t going to be halted by a ruck later. Lomami is giving you a pass.
Samoa tried to counter Fiji with a one-pass strategy that was predictable, and Muntz and Lomami combined for 19 tackles in the first half. Ideas seemed to be disregarded as mistakes increased, and Fiji easily defeated Samoa to record their largest victory in 20 years. Man of the match went to Lomani. Salawa, who has participated in 27 games for the Fijian Dura, had a good performance, and Mutnz, who had to make 17 tackles, seemed more comfortable as the game went on. With twelve tackles, Sam Slade held the record for most Samoan tackles, although Taramai was usually unceasing.
For his 12th international, Kiwi James Doleman served as an umpire. With a 32-21 edge in all games played against Fiji dating back to 1924, Fiji has won 17 of their past 21 tests in Suva.