The Flying Fijians hunt for a quarterfinal spot in the Rugby World Cup have ended after they lost to Manu Samoa 27-7 in their third pool game this afternoon.
In the Battle of the Pacific at a sellout Eden Park the Samoan controlled the game from the opening whistle with fly-half Tusi Pisi kicking three penalties and a drop goal to lead 12-0 at half-time
Samoa started the second half like they did in the first half with another penalty to Pisi in the fourth minute to extend the lead 15-0.
Halfback Kahn Fotu’ali’i scored the opening try in the 60th minute after a tight head scrum just 5 metres away from the Fiji try-line for Samoa to lead 20-0.
Fiji came back with a try in the 68th minute to Netani Talei but a lack of concentration saw Paul William running away from the Fiji back line for number 8 George Storwers to score the second try and a 27-7 lead.
Samoan captain, Mahonri Schwalger said that coming into this game they knew what to expect from Fiji.
For Fiji, captain Deacon Manu was disappointed with the loss knowing that they failed to be in the game with poor tackling and loss of possession.
Fiji coach, Samu Domoni Jnr accepted the defeat saying his side did not play well with emotion getting into the game.
2007, RWC, coach, Ilivasi Tabua said that Fiji failed to establish themselves from the opening whistle.
Fiji's next game is against Wales next Sunday.
This hour, Ireland is playing Russia and at 7.30pm, Scotland will play Argentina.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Feature
Hunt for RWC quarterfinal spot ends
