Fiji push past Samoa in Pacific Challenge

The Fiji Warriors have kept their Americas Pacific Challenge title hopes alive with a comfortable 39-26 win over Samoa ‘A’ in Montevideo on Wednesday. While the score leaned strongly towards the Fijians they were made to work for it with Samoa staying within one score until the final quarter. There was a sense that Fiji did not quite live up to their potential, particularly in the discipline department where they conceded several soft penalties and three yellow cards.

An early penalty goal from Patrick Fa’apale was matched by opposite Alivereti Veitokani just shy of the 10 minute mark. Second row Mesulame Kunavula was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle giving Fa’apale his second chance for goal which he duly converted. Fiji cared little for being shorthanded and struck twice in a span of three minutes, with first no8 Eremasi Radrodro and then scrumhalf Sakiusa Gavidi crossing to put Samoa back on their heels.

The two hookers were next to trade scores after a third penalty goal by Fa’apale. Iliesa Leca smashed over from close range for Fiji but Malcolm Tanielu replied for the Samoans in similar fashion, hammering over just on the stroke of halftime. His try came in the moments following Fiji’s second yellow card, this one to prop Joeli Veitayaki for repeat infringements.

Fa’apale hit his fourth penalty just after the break when a high shot from Eroni Vasiteri landed the centre in the bin to keep Veitayaki company and temporarily reduce Fiji to only 13 men. With Vasiteri still off the pitch replacement scrumhalf Henry Seniloli broke through and his long pass put Apeta Daveta in striking distance. The winger showed soft hands and great strength to drive over despite the attention of two defenders for Fiji’s fourth try.

An awful pass from Veitokani on first phase landed straight in the arms of Ope Peleseuma who raced clear from halfway with Fa’apale’s conversion reducing the gap to just three. Veitokani got some of that back with his second penalty goal just past the hour, and a final try for Fred Hickes on a counter-attack that started deep in his own 22 brought a close to the scoring. Both teams coasted through to the finish line.

Fiji now face Argentina on Sunday with the title on the line. Samoa wrap up their tournament against Canada. A win would likely see them finish third.

 

SCORING

SAMOA ‘A’ 26
Tries – M. Tanielu (40), O. Peleseuma (56)
Cons – P. Fa’apale 2 (40, 57)
Pens – P. Fa’apale 4 (2, 13, 30, 43)

FIJI WARRIORS 39
Tries – E. Radrodro (20), S. Gavidi (23), I. Leca (32), A. Daveta (52), F. Hickes (66)
Cons – A. Veitokani 4 (24, 33, 53, 67)
Pens – A. Veitokani 2 (9, 61)
Yellow cards – M. Kunavula (12), J. Veitayaki (39), E. Vasiteri (43)

 

TEAMS

SAMOA ‘A’
1 Nephi Leatigaga 2 Malcolm Tanielu 3 Jake Grey (capt.) 4 Talaga Alofipo 5 Callum Adams 6 Mikaele Tapili 7 Oneone Fa’afou 8 Suamalie Tuiletufuta 9 Danny Tusitala 10 Patrick Fa’apale 11 Meki Magele 12 Rhema Sagote 13 Ope Peleseuma 14 Jeff Makapelu 15 Malu Falaniko

16 Lene Nu’uli 17 Michael Tuiloma 18 Sylvester Taupau 19 Joshua Fuimaono 20 Lester Sefo 21 Melani Matavao 22 Jack Saena 23 Johnny Va’ili

FIJI WARRIORS
1 Joeli Veitayaki 2 Iliesa Leca 3 Mesake Doge 4 Rupeni Nasiga (capt.) 5 Mesulame Kunavula 6 Nemani Nagusa 7 Vasikali Mudu 8 Eremasi Radrodro 9 Sakiusa Gavidi 10 Alivereti Veitokani 11 Ifereimi Tovilevu 12 Eroni Vasiteri 13 Fred Hickes 14 Apete Daveta 15 Lepani Raiyala

16 Jerry Naureure 17 Kalivati Tawake 18 Robert Delai 19 Sakiusa Nadruku 20 Peni Naulago 21 Henry Seniloli 22 Ilimeleki Leiloma 23 Sitiveni Kunaga

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Pali De Luca (UAR)
Assistants: Joaquín Montes (URU) & Gonzalo Ventoso (URU)
TMO: Alejandro Longres (URU)