Openside flanker Kitione Salawa scored three tries as the FIJI Water Flying Fijians triumphed over Samoa with a score of 42-16 in the opening match of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup held in Suva.
Fiji initially fell behind 16-15 at halftime, but the team, captained by Tevita Ikanivere, turned the game around in the second half. They started strongly, with Salawa scoring within the first four minutes after a powerful play by Number 8 Elia Canakaivata. Despite the challenging Laucala breeze, Caleb Muntz’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, giving Fiji an early 5-0 lead.
Samoa closed the gap in the 14th minute with a penalty successfully converted by fly-half D’Angelo Leuila. Shortly after, increased pressure from Samoa bore fruit as winger Pisi Leilua crossed the line for a try in the 18th minute, following quick support from halfback Melani Matavao. Leuila’s conversion put Samoa ahead for the first time at 7-5.
Samoa continued to gain ground with another penalty from Leuila in the 27th minute, extending their lead to 13-5. Fiji responded when Olympic silver medalist Iosefo Masi powered through the Samoan defense to score a try, with Muntz successfully converting to narrow the gap to a single point.
However, Temo Mayanavanua received a yellow card in the 33rd minute, leading to another penalty for Samoa, which allowed them to increase their lead again. Muntz managed another penalty before halftime, bringing the score to 16-15 in favor of Samoa.
In the second half, Fiji dominated as Samoa struggled to score. Salawa scored two more tries, followed by Frank Lomani and debutant fullback Vuate Karawalevu adding to the tally. Muntz punctuated the performance with another penalty and three successful conversions, sealing the match with a final score of 42-16.