The FIJI Water Flying Fijians came from behind to defeat Manu Samoa 29-15 in their Pacific Nations Cup clash in Rotorua this afternoon.
Samoa started strongly with a try to hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue and a penalty by Rodney Iona to lead 8-0 inside the first 10 minutes.
Fiji hit back through captain Tevita Ikanivere in the 12th minute, but the Samoans extended their lead when halfback Joel Lam crossed over, making it 15-5.
With just two minutes left before halftime, Seta Tamanivalu scored to narrow the margin to 15-12 at the break.
In the second half, Fiji’s defence held firm against Samoa’s physicality.
Halfback Simione Kuruvoli scored in the 60th minute, putting Fiji ahead for the first time in the match.
Caleb Muntz extended Fiji’s lead by converting a penalty.
Kalaveti Ravouovu sealed Fiji’s win with a try in the 79th minute.
Live Updates
Kick off: Fiji
3' Samoa puts on the pressure for Fiji. They get a penalty and heads for the line-out. They now have the chance to put points on the board. Great line-out from Samoa, they get the first try. Pita Anae-Ah Sue. FJ 0-5 SAM
7' Great defence from Fiji as they hold off the attacks from Samoa. Samoa knocks the ball on and Fiji gets a chance to clear the ball away from their 22m line. But Samoa's scrum stood tall giving them another penalty. FJ 0-5 SAM
8' Rodney Iona converts a penalty. FJ 0-8 SAM
12' Great control from Fiji from the lineout. Try to Fiji. Tevita Ikanivere. FJ 5-8 SAM
18' Great play from the Samoans, breaking through Fiji's defence to score a try. Joel Lam. FJ 5-15 SAM
27' Fiji gets a penalty. Samoa keeps on the pressure. FJ 5-15 SAM
37' Try to Fiji. Seta Tamanivalu. FJ 12-15 SAM
HT: FJ 12-15 SAM
2nd Half:
FJ 12-15 SAM, Kick off: Samoa
47' Fiji's defence stood tall as they hold off the Samoans attacks. Samoa got off to a blast in the second half, putting more pressure on the Fijians. FJ 12-15 SAM
51' Both teams giving their all in this match. Penalty reversed and Fiji's ball. They will need to get on the scoreboard soon. They go for the line-out. FJ 12-15 SAM
60' Try to Fiji. Simione Kuruvoli. FJ 19-15 SAM
64' Caleb Munzt converts penalty. FJ 22-15 SAM
71' Samoa keeps on the attack but could not cross over Fiji's try line. FJ 22-15 SAM
77' Samoa knocks the ball on, giving Fiji an advantage to keep the ball till the 80th minute, FJ 22-15 SAM
77' Samoa knocks the ball on, giving Fiji an advantage to keep the ball till the 80th minute, FJ 22-15 SAM
79' Try to Fiji. Kalaveti Ravouvou. FJ 29-15 SAM
