Openside flanker Kitione Salawa scored a hat-trick 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.
The Fijian team, captained by Tevita Ikanivere, initially fell behind 16-15 at halftime but turned the game around in the second half. Fiji kicked off the match strong, with Salawa scoring in the first four minutes by capitalizing on a powerful move initiated by Number 8 Elia Canakaivata. Despite the strong winds, Caleb Muntz’s conversion was unsuccessful, giving Fiji an early 5-0 lead.
Samoa soon narrowed the gap with a penalty from fly-half D’Angelo Leuila in the 14th minute. Moments later, following a well-coordinated play and quick passing from halfback Melani Matavao, winger Pisi Leilua scored Samoa’s first try, and Leuila’s successful conversion put Samoa ahead at 7-5.
By the 27th minute, Leuila added another penalty, extending Samoa’s lead to 13-5. However, Fiji responded quickly when Olympic silver medalist Iosefo Masi powerfully broke through the Samoan defense to score Fiji’s second try, which Muntz converted, bringing the score to 13-12.
After Temo Mayanavanua received a yellow card in the 33rd minute, Samoa took advantage with another penalty, increasing their lead to 16-12. Muntz kicked another penalty before halftime, leaving Fiji just one point behind at 16-15.
In the second half, Samoa failed to score while Fiji found their rhythm, with Salawa adding two more tries, alongside Frank Lomani and debutant fullback Vuate Karawalevu also getting on the scoreboard. Muntz contributed with one more penalty and successfully converted three tries, sealing Fiji’s decisive victory.