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Samoa edge Fiji to claim first Pacific Nations Cup title since 2014
By Alex McLeod
Manu Samoa have overturned a 17-3 half-time deficit to edge Fiji and claim their first Pacific Nations Cup title in eight years.
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Rallying back with a strong showing in the second half, in which they ran in two tries to none, the Samoans held on to score a famous 23-20 victory at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
A late try to reserve hooker Seilala Lam in the final 10 minutes handed Samoa a lead they never lost again, even in spite of Fiji’s best efforts in the closing stages as they threatened Samoa’s tryline with a lineout from close range.
However, an overthrow by Tevita Ikanavere ensured Samoa retained possession and were able to hoof the ball out of play, much to the jubilation of the men in blue.
The result didn’t come easily, though, as Fiji established themselves as the dominant force early on, cancelling out Rodney Iona’s opening penalty through an Albert Tuisue try from some tap-and-go trickery near the opposition line.
Both teams had their chances in what proved to be a baron scoring spell over the course of the next 20 minutes, but neither side could take full advantage of possession and territory as skill execution and discipline failed them.
That was until Fiji halfback Frank Lomani’s individual brilliance extended Fiji’s lead as he stepped his way through the Samoan defence from the back of a scrum deep inside the opposition’s half near the half-hour mark.
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Taking a 17-3 lead into the break, with a Ben Volavola penalty further bolstering the home side’s lead, Fiji looked set to deny Samoa the title and gift the championship to Australia A, who had moved into pole position with a win over Tonga earlier in the afternoon.
Samoa weren’t deterred, though, as they slowly but surely fought their way back into the contest via a brace to Lam, whose try-scoring efforts were complemented by the Iona’s boot.
What transpired was a third-ever Pacific Nations Cup crown, a major feat for Samoa as their World Cup preparations ramp up significantly heading into this November’s test window.
