Manusina Samoa showcased a remarkable performance as they triumphed over the Vodafone Fijiana 15s with a commanding 45-17 win during the second round of the WXV3 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. This victory was a stark contrast to their previous draw against the Netherlands.
The match began on a high note for Samoa, with scrum-half France Bloomfield setting up the first score within three minutes, allowing Linda Fiafia to touch down in the right corner. Although Cassie Siataga missed the subsequent conversion, she successfully kicked a penalty shortly after, extending Samoa’s lead to eight points.
Fiji responded around ten minutes later when number eight Karalaini Naisewa scored from a powerful scrum, narrowing the gap to just one point. Luisa Tisolo converted the try, but Samoa quickly regained an eight-point advantage with Ana Mamea’s try and Siataga’s successful conversion.
As the first half progressed, Siataga added two more penalties, allowing Manusina to lead 21-7 at halftime. Fiji had a try by Adita Milinia disallowed for obstruction, and while Tisolo’s early second-half try reignited hopes by reducing the deficit to seven points, she received a yellow card soon after.
Samoa capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring tries through Karla Wright-Akeli and Bloomfield. With ten minutes remaining, Bloomfield secured her second try, further solidifying the lead. Although Tisolo managed to score her second try late in the match, Samoa’s victory was already assured, and Easter Savelio capped off an impressive display with their sixth try.