Fiji draw with Samoa in classic

An exhilarating game of rugby between the two Pacific Island nations lived up to all expectations and then some. In one of the all-time great contests of the Pacific Nations Cup, the two sides emerged dead even after an incredible roller coaster finale that saw Patrick Fa’apale kick a late penalty to stave off defeat.

An early penalty from Mike Stanley put Samoa on the board first, and Ben Volavola’s chance to reply drifted wide right. A loose pass eluded the Samoan midfield and Peceli Yato pounced, toeing it forward and regathering to put him clear. Somehow Paul Perez managed to scrag him from behind, but Leone Nakarawa was on hand to take the offload and cross for the score.

Not two minutes had passed and Fiji were on the rampage again. Volavola stepped through Motu Matu’u and popped to Nemia Kenatale, and the scrumhalf found Nakarawa on his shoulder once again for the big lock’s second. Volavola converted and Fiji had the lead.

Samoa got their act together and from an attacking scrum in Fijian territory, a set piece move opened up acres of space for their outside backs. Perez was the man on hand to finish it off, and Stanley’s conversion closed the gap to two.

Not to be outdone, Fiji countered with some of their own medicine. Quick service from Kenatale and hands from Volavola and Tikoirotuma put Talebula in space, with the fullback crossing in the corner. The conversion was no good but Fiji had a seven point lead at the half.

The second stanza picked up where the first left off. Gaby Lovobalavu stepped his way through for a superb individual score, and Volavola added the extras, along with a penalty goal a few minutes later. Samoa were down 27-10, but they were far from giving up.

A multi-phase move ended with Faifili Levave putting Anthony Perenise over in the corner for a cracking team try, and then just a few minutes later Perez struck again with a paralyzing run through the middle. Fiji’s lead was finally erased when another well-earned team try ended with TJ Ioane powering over from close range, and Mike Stanley’s conversion drawing the teams level.

Volavola nailed a late penalty that looked certain to let Fiji off the hook, but Fa’apale – only just on as a replacement for Stanley – stepped up and hit one of his own to end the game in a draw. The result drew applause from the fans but will frustrate Fijian head coach John McKee after watching his side squander a 17 point lead in the final 25 minutes.

The two teams now head for Toronto for round 3 of the PNC, which takes place on Wednesday July 29. Fiji will take on Japan, while Samoa face hosts Canada.

FIJI 30
Tries – L. Nakarawa 2 (10, 12), Talebula (35), Lovobalavu (42)
Cons – B. Volavola 2 (13, 43)
Pens – B. Volavola 2 (49, 76)

SAMOA 30
Tries – P. Perez 2 (20, 63), A. Perenise (56), T. Ioane (73)
Cons – M. Stanley 2 (21, 74)
Pens – M. Stanley (4), P. Fa’apale (78)

FIJI
1 P. Ravai (C. Ma’afu 58) 2 S. Koto (V. Veikoso 15-29, 71) 3 M. Saulo (T. Koroi 77) 4 A. Ratuniyarawa 5 L. Nakarawa 6 P. Yato (M. Ravulo 50) 7. A Qera (N. Soqeta 61) 8 M. Matadigo 9 N. Kenatale (H. Seniloli 71) 10 B. Volavola 11 A. Tikoirotuma (N. Nalaga 65) 12 G. Lovobalavu 13 V. Goneva 14 W. Nayacalevu 15 M. Talebula (J. Matavesi 77)

SAMOA
1. S. Taulafo (V. Afatia 71) 2 M. Matu’u (M. Leiataua 54) 3 A. Perenise (J. Grey 62) 4 F. Paulo 5 F. Lemalu (J. Tekori 58) 6 T. Ioane 7 J. Lam 8 V. Tuilagi (F. Levave 48) 9 P. Cowley 10 M. Stanley (P. Fa’apale 74) 11 A. Tuilagi (capt.) 12 J. Leota (F. Iosi 48) 13 P. Perez 14 A. Alofa 15 F. Autagavaia

Not used: V. Afemai