Openside flanker Kitione Salawa achieved a remarkable hat-trick as the FIJI Water Flying Fijians secured a convincing 42-16 victory against Samoa in the opening match of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup held in Suva.
After trailing by one point, 16-15, at halftime, the momentum shifted favorably for the team led by captain Tevita Ikanivere. Fiji kicked off strongly, with Salawa scoring the first try just four minutes into the match, rounding off a powerful attack initiated by Number 8 Elia Canakaivata. Although Caleb Muntz missed the conversion, Fiji took an early lead of 5-0.
Samoa quickly narrowed the gap with a penalty from fly-half D’Angelo Leuila in the 14th minute. A well-coordinated play saw winger Pisi Leilua cross the try line in the 18th minute, with Leuila converting successfully to push Samoa ahead for the first time at 7-5.
Samoa extended their lead further with another penalty by Leuila in the 27th minute, making it 13-5. Fiji responded with a powerful try from Olympic silver medalist Iosefo Masi, who broke through Samoa’s defense, and with Muntz’s successful conversion, the score narrowed to 13-12.
A yellow card for Temo Mayanavanua in the 33rd minute and the consequential penalty allowed Samoa to restore their lead to 16-12. Muntz added another penalty just before halftime, bringing the score to 16-15, leaving Fiji just one point behind.
In the second half, Fiji dominated, with Salawa scoring two more tries, along with contributions from Frank Lomani and debutant fullback Vuate Karawalevu. Muntz also added a penalty and three conversions, keeping Samoa scoreless in the second half and sealing the match with a final score of 42-16.