Improved Manu Samoa team expected

Manu Samoa is expected to deliver a much improved performance against the Vodafone Flying Fijians in their Pacific Nations Cup match this afternoon.

Coach Stephen Betham has made four changes to the team that beat Italy last week with the starting lineup comprising of overseas based players.

The backline includes Kahn Fotuali’i, centre Tusi Pisi and fullback Fa’atoina Autagavaia.

Both teams have performed well in recent weeks with Fiji moving up one place in the IRB World Rankings to 10th following wins over Italy 25-14 and Tonga 45-17.

Samoa, who drew against Tonga 18-all and defeated Italy 15-0 last week, also climbed up a spot to 9th.

The last time the two teams met was at the 2012 PNC in Tokyo when Samoa beat Fiji 29-26.

However, in 2011, Fiji won 36-18 in Suva.

Flying Fijians captain Akapusi Qera said this is the ‘Battle of the Pacific’.

The Vodafone Flying Fijians will take on Manu Samoa at 3pm today at the ANZ Stadium and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM.