Openside flanker Kitione Salawa achieved a hat-trick as the FIJI Water Flying Fijians triumphed over Samoa with a score of 42-16 during the opening match of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup held in Suva.
After trailing 16-15 at halftime, Fiji, led by captain Tevita Ikanivere, shifted the game’s momentum in the second half. The match kicked off strongly for Fiji, with Salawa scoring the first try just four minutes in, finishing a powerful move initiated by Number 8 Elia Canakaivata, although Caleb Muntz missed the conversion which left Fiji leading 5-0.
Samoa quickly replied, with fly-half D’Angelo Leuila successfully converting a penalty in the 14th minute. By the 18th minute, strong teamwork allowed winger Pisi Leilua to cross the try line, putting Samoa ahead with a conversion from Leuila that made the score 7-5. Leuila added another penalty in the 27th minute, extending Samoa’s lead to 13-5.
Fiji responded with a second try from Olympic silver medalist Iosefo Masi, who broke through the Samoan defense. Muntz’s conversion brought Fiji closer, tightening the score to 13-12. However, a yellow card for Temo Mayanavanua in the 33rd minute allowed Samoa to regain a little breathing room with another penalty, and Muntz also added a penalty before halftime, leaving Fiji trailing by just a point at 16-15.
The second half saw a complete turnaround for Fiji as Samoa failed to score. Fiji secured four consecutive tries—two from Salawa, one from Frank Lomani, and another from debutant fullback Vuate Karawalevu. Muntz contributed significantly with another penalty and three successful conversions, closing the match with a commanding 42-16 victory for Fiji.