Openside flanker Kitione Salawa scored three tries as the FIJI Water Flying Fijians secured a 42-16 victory over Samoa in the opening match of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup held in Suva. After trailing 16-15 at halftime, the Fiji team, captained by Tevita Ikanivere, gained momentum in the second half.
Fiji started strong, with Salawa scoring a try within the first four minutes, finishing a powerful attack led by Number 8 Elia Canakaivata. However, Caleb Muntz missed the conversion, leaving Fiji with an early lead of 5-0. Samoa responded in the 14th minute with a penalty from fly-half D’Angelo Leuila.
A well-executed play involving halfback Melani Matavao allowed winger Pisi Leilua to score Samoa’s first try in the 18th minute, which Leuila converted, putting Samoa in the lead. Leuila added another penalty in the 27th minute, extending Samoa’s advantage to 13-5.
Fiji’s Iosefo Masi, an Olympic silver medalist, demonstrated his strength to break through Samoa’s defense and score a try, making it a one-point game after Muntz converted. Temo Mayanavanua received a yellow card in the 33rd minute, allowing Samoa to increase their lead with another penalty. Muntz managed to score one more penalty before halftime, leaving Fiji trailing 16-15.
In the second half, Fiji dominated, with Salawa scoring two more tries, alongside tries from Frank Lomani and debutant fullback Vuate Karawalevu. Muntz added another penalty and made three conversions, solidifying Fiji’s 42-16 win while keeping Samoa scoreless in the second half.