Sports

Fijian Warriors defends World Rugby Pacific Challenge title after defeating Samoa A 48-16

Navitalai Naivalurua and Timoci Qaranivalu · 16/03/2019

The Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors have won the World Rugby Pacific Challenge for the 4th year in a row after defeating Samoa A 48-16 this afternoon.

Game 2 | World Rugby Pacific Challenge | Round 3
FT: 🇫🇯 @fijirugby Warriors 48 - 16 🇼🇸 @manusamoa A#OceaniaRugby pic.twitter.com/iQ5NhhmgHj
— Oceania Rugby (@oceaniarugby) March 16, 2019

Fijian Warriors started off slow and couldn’t find their rhythm in the first 20 minutes.

Samoa A dominated as they managed to convert 3 of the 4 penalties they were awarded.

Eroni Mawi put the first points on the board for the Fijian Warriors followed by a try from Tudraki Samusamuvodre.

Captain Frank Lomani extended their lead with another try while winger Veramu Dikidikilati powered through the defence to score for Fiji just before halftime.

Fijian Warriors led 24-9 at half time.

Game 2 | World Rugby Pacific Challenge | Round 3
HT: 🇫🇯 @fijirugby Warriors 24 - 9🇼🇸 @manusamoa A#OceaniaRugby pic.twitter.com/xWPiX3yVV0
— Oceania Rugby (@oceaniarugby) March 16, 2019

Samusamuvodre scored his second try in the second half extending their lead, Mosese Voka then crossed the try line to increase their lead to 36-9.

Samoa A replied with a try but it was not enough for them to catchup.

The Fijian Warriors scored two more tries through Peni Naulago and Veremalua Vugakot scored the final try of the match after the hooter had sounded.

Meanwhile, Fijian born Viliame Tuidraki helped the Junior Japan side defeat Tonga A 39-10 in their final match of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge at the ANZ Stadium

Game 1 | World Rugby Pacific Challenge | Round 3
FT: 🇯🇵 Junior @JRFURugby 39 - 10 🇹🇴 @officialTongaRU A#OceaniaRugby pic.twitter.com/Fwm1mW46EG
— Oceania Rugby (@oceaniarugby) March 16, 2019

Japan scored three tries in the first half through Kai Yamamoto, Captain Shota Fukui and Tomoki Osada while Tonga A’s try came from Aisea Masakini.

Japan led 22-5 at half time.

Game 1 | World Rugby Pacific Challenge | Round 3
HT: 🇯🇵 Junior @JRFURugby 22 - 05 🇹🇴 @officialTongaRU A#OceaniaRugby pic.twitter.com/z2XVsgQd7I
— Oceania Rugby (@oceaniarugby) March 16, 2019

Haruto Kida and Viliame Tuidraki both scored a try each in the second half while mistakes from the Tongan side resulted in a penalty try being awarded against them.

Tonga’s second try in the match came from Weir Filikitonga.