Fiji's Selestino Ravutaumada (C) tries to avoid a tackle from Samoa's Theo McFarland (L) during the World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2024 match between Fiji and Samoa at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Photo: AFP / Leon Lord
Fiji kicked off their defence of the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 with a big 42-16 win over Manu Samoa in Suva on Friday evening.
Fiji kicked off their defence of the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 with a big 42-16 win over Manu Samoa in Suva on Friday evening.
Flanker Kitione Salawa scored a hat-trick as the Flying Fijians punished the Samoans in the second half with two of the visitors sent home with two yellow cards.
The Samoans led 16-15 at the breather but the Fijians opened the scoring with Salawa, faking a pass and diving over.
The Fijian Drua player also closed the scoring with a try out wide as the Samoans faltered on defence out wide.
It was a game that marked the 100th year of Test rugby between the two nations, with the first international between the two unions back in 1924.
Fijian captain Tevita Ikanivere said he was happy with the win and thanked the players for their effort.
"It was a tough game," he said.
Fiji will take a break next weekend and will fly to Nuku'alofa for their last game on 6 September.
Manu Samoan captain Theo MacFarland said they lost through indiscipline.
"Though we started well in the first half, we let them in the second half. Fiji is always a good team," he said.
Samoa will host Tonga in Apia on 30 August.
Meanwhile, Fijian halfback Frank Lomani was the man of the match.