Christopher Lee
Captain Michael Alaalatoa led Samoa to a memorable 23-20 victory over Fiji to claim the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.
Samoa’s dramatic comeback 23-20 win over Fiji saw it win the Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka on Saturday.
Having previously learned that Australia A had booked a 39-22 victory over Tonga in the final round match at the same venue, Samoa had to beat Fiji to win the tournament.
After trailing 17-3 at halftime, Samoa looked to have secured Australia A the title, but a spirited comeback in the second 40 minutes saw the Aussies clear of the trophy.
The Samoans scored two tries via substitute prop Seilala Lam and also dominated the scrums to be rewarded with several penalties to keep the heat on Fiji.
Fiji had a chance to win the game in extra time, but blew in an offensive lineout, and Samoa was able to scramble the ball into touch for a memorable win.
Lam’s second attempt from a moving maul proved decisive, as it gave Samoa the lead with 11 minutes left.
Fiji coach Vern Cotter, who revamped his team after a shocking 32-18 loss to Australia A last week, is said to have been bitterly disappointed with his team’s commitment in the second 40 minutes.
Ex-All Black Seta Tamanivalu was among the victims and had been relegated to the reserve bench, but the changes did little good for Fiji as Samoa won and finished the tournament undefeated.
Meanwhile, leftist Filipo Daugunu scored two tries as Australia A took a 39-22 win over Tonga.
Australia A, which had upset Fiji in the previous round, was too strong for a Tongan team without ex-All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau and ex-Wallabies star Israel Folau.
Despite a strong start, with Samiuela Moli scoring a try in the second minute, Tonga was left behind as Australia A collected points on a penalty from Ryan Lonergan and a try to Daugunu.
Daugunu scored his second five-pointer in the second half, as the Australians made five attempts to secure a comfortable win.