Openside flanker Kitione Salawa scored three tries as the Fiji Water Flying Fijians triumphed over Samoa with a score of 42-16 in the first match of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup held in Suva. The game saw a dramatic turnaround after Fiji trailed 16-15 at halftime.
Fiji made an impressive start, scoring in the first four minutes of the match through Salawa, who capitalized on a strong play orchestrated by Number 8 Elia Canakaivata. Despite a missed conversion attempt by Caleb Muntz, Fiji took an early lead of 5-0.
Samoa quickly responded, with fly-half D’Angelo Leuila reducing the gap with a penalty in the 14th minute. Later, a well-coordinated effort culminated in Pisi Leilua crossing the line for Samoa’s first try, giving them a 7-5 lead after Leuila’s successful conversion.
Leuila extended Samoa’s lead further by successfully kicking another penalty in the 27th minute, making the score 13-5. However, Fiji answered back with Olympic silver medalist Iosefo Masi breaking through the Samoan defense to score Fiji’s second try, converting it into a one-point game after Muntz successfully converted.
A yellow card shown to Temo Mayanavanua in the 33rd minute allowed Samoa to add another penalty to their score. A penalty from Muntz just before halftime closed the gap, leaving Fiji trailing 16-15 at the break.
The second half belonged to Fiji, who dominated the scoreboard and did not allow Samoa to score any points. Salawa added two more tries, while Frank Lomani and debutant fullback Vuate Karawalevu also crossed the line. Muntz contributed with another penalty and successfully converted three tries, securing a convincing victory for Fiji.